Marvel is back in the limelight. The whole world world is talking about Marvel after they dropped a huge bomb at the San Diego Comic-Con 2024. But first, let’s discuss the movies Marvel has announced for next year.
Upcoming Marvel Movies Of 2025
Captain America: Brave New World
Marvel is taking the same approach as previous Captain America movies. It will be grounded, focusing on Sam Wilson proving himself as Captain America. The movie is set for release on February 14, 2025.
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ThunderBolts
People don’t have much expectations from this one. Basically, it’s the suicide Squad of the MCU. It will feature the first appearance of Sentry, and address the mess they made in “Eternals” (Yes, we are talking about the hands of Tiamut). Now, Celestials are said to be made of admantium. “Thunderbolts” will be released on May 25, 2025.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
While “The Fantastic Four” would have been a great classic name for the movie, they chose to make it awkward by naming it “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The film will follow the general Fantastic Four story and is set in the 60s, in a retro-futuristic alternate timeline. Galactus will be the primary villain. The Fantastic Four will also appear in the both Avengers movies. The film will be released on July 25, 2025.
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Initially, Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, revealed details about three films: “Captain America: Brave New World,” “ThunderBolts” and “The Fantastic Four.” Fans didn’t show much interest as most of the details were already known. But then came the huge surprise with the announcement of two of major films of the saga, Avengers 5, which is titled “Avengers Doomsday” and “Avengers Secret wars.”
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But we all knew something like this was coming. What we didn’t see coming was Mr. Dr. Doom. There were reports that Kang might be replaced by Doom after the incident with Jonathan Majors. Fans were speculating that Cillian Murphy might play the role of Doom, but Marvel surprised everyone by bringing back the man who had both started and ended the MCU.
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The Return Of RDJ As Doctor Doom
Robert Drowney Jr. or we say Lord Robert Drowney Jr. is returning to play Doctor Doom. RDJ, who was literally the main pillar of the MCU, after he left the MCU totally collapsed. Now, he is back to save it, this time as the main antagonist of the multiverse saga. Once the savior of the world, now he will destroy it.
Even more exciting is the return of the legendary Russo Brothers, who directed some of the MCU’s finest films: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” They will direct “Avengers Doomsday” and “Avengers Secret wars,” set for release in May 2026 and May 2027, respectively.
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Marvel has understood the formula as their recent movies are not working, they have started playing the nostalgia card. First, they brought Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in “Spider-Man: No Way Home”, which earned almost $2 billion. Then they brought Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in “Deadpool & Wolverine”, reviving the MCU and potentially earning as much as No Way Home.
Now, Marvel wants to replicate the formula again in the upcoming two Avengers Movies. Not only are they bringing back RDJ, but they are also bringing in the most beloved and in-demand directors in the MCU, The Russo Brothers.
What Could Be The Potential Repercussions ?
But what will be the repercussions ? There are two possibilities. First, the film could be well-received, as fans no longer expect great movies from Marvel. The latest example is “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which was average at best. But if Marvel is merely cashing in on nostalgia, it could backfire, leading a huge backlash from the fans.
We have no idea about the current MCU storyline and how RDJ’s Doctor Doom will fit into the timeline. However, there is a possiblity that this is the Tony Stark from the Earth-42777 timeline who becomes Doom for some reason.
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But the question is, will fans accept RDJ as Doctor Doom ? This is uncertain because people love RDJ as Iron Man. Doctor Doom and Tony Stark are two different characters. If Marvel fails to differenciate between them and fans sense Tony Stark in Doom, they might root for the villain. Imagine an Avengers movie, where people are rooting for the villain. They should alter RDJ’s appearance to match Doom’s menace.
Another issue is that many fans love RDJ as Iron Man. They cried in Endgame for him and may not want Marvel to tamper with their favourite hero’s legacy. RDJ’s return to the MCU could ruin it. Will they accept their hero in a villain’s Avatar ? Only time will tell.
However, we have faith in the Russos. We believe that they will present RDJ in a new Avatar that will make us forget that he was Iron Man.