Summary:
- Marvel surprises fans by scheduling four films in 2028 despite a recent slowdown in output.
- Rumors suggest Secret Wars Part 2, Fantastic Four 2, or even the long-awaited X-Men reboot.
- With just a date confirmed, Marvel’s December 2028 mystery film sparks major speculation across the fandom.
In a surprise move, Disney has officially added a 4th Marvel movie to its 2028 schedule. The untitled project will be released on December 15, 2028, along with three other Marvel movies scheduled for February, May, and November of the same year.
The announcement has caused a lot of waves, as it appears to contradict Disney CEO Bob Iger’s recent strategy to slow down Marvel’s production. During a May investor call, Iger openly admitted the studio had “lost a little focus by making too much,”. He further emphasized a renewed commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity. And now with four films scheduled for 2028, it’s guaranteed Marvel still has big plans.
Table of Contents
Mystery 4th Film Can Be Secret Wars: Part Two or…
Marvel is keeping the details close to the vest, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about it. Popular theories include a Fantastic Four sequel, a long-rumored X-Men reboot, Black Panther 3, or an Avengers sequel after Secret Wars.
One of the more solid theories is that the film might be Secret Wars Part 2, in effect, the conclusion to a Multiversal Avengers trilogy. The trilogy would start with Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026), continue with Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027), and end with this mysterious film in 2028. An unofficial title suggestion going viral is Battleworld. It is based on Doctor Doom’s rise to power, the Avengers’ internal struggles, and the final showdown.
However, that theory may not hold up. Secret Wars has long been teased as the final installment of the Multiverse Saga, and it will probably cover the Battleworld arc in it. Marvel might split the Battleworld storyline across two phases, since it spans multiple planets and major arcs.
Coincidentally, 2028 also marks the 20th anniversary of the MCU’s launch with Iron Man in 2008. What better way to celebrate than with a film that reboots the universe and brings closure to a 20-year-long saga?
Is Fantastic Four 2 the Frontrunner?
Fantastic Four 2 is likely the other contender. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps scheduled to release in July 2025 and already generating positive buzz, it’s possible that Marvel could work on its sequel. December would be a great release time, particularly if the first does well at the box office and with critics.
Also Read:
- Every Villain in Fantastic Four: First Steps Explained
- Matt Shakman Confirms Doctor Doom Is Not in Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Ryan Gosling to Play Ghost Rider? Rumors, Reality, and What It Means for MCU
Given how important the Fantastic Four movie is to the Phase 6 launch, and their connection to projects like Avengers: Doomsday, a sequel is not only likely, it’s necessary. Fantastic Four has been a major part of comics for a long time, and Marvel will likely continue their story after Secret Wars with the same cast.
Among all the speculation so far, a Fantastic Four sequel makes the most sense, as it’s a story rooted in family, making a December release feel like a perfect fit for a holiday-season film.
Other Contenders: X-Men and Black Panther 3
The other potential contender is the X-Men reboot, which has been long-awaited, and is reportedly being developed by Michael Leslie. The reboot will mark the official entry of Marvel’s mutants into the MCU following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. While the release window hasn’t been confirmed yet, it could either release in May 2028 or December 2028.
Black Panther 3 is also in the mix. While insiders have estimated it in a July 2028 window, it’s unclear whether the untitled December release could represent a shift in dates. These two films are less likely to arrive in December, as current rumors suggest they may be slated for earlier in the year.
What Marvel’s Four-Film Slate in 2028 Could Mean
Squeezing in four Marvel films in 2028 is certainly raising some eyebrows, especially considering Disney has already cut down its 2026 and 2027 slates to two films each. For 2026, these include Spider-Man: Brand New Day (co-produced with Sony) and Avengers: Doomsday. For 2027, its slate is an untitled movie in July and Avengers: Secret Wars in December.
This sudden spike in 2028 releases could be an indication of a pace shift following the Multiverse Saga. If Secret Wars initiates a reboot of narratives or a structural overhaul of the MCU, it could open up space for new stories, characters, and creative interpretations, considering the tighter release schedule.
Related:
- Mark Ruffalo May Return as the Hulk in Upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- “There’s More on the Table”: Benicio del Toro Suggests Returning as The Collector in the MCU
- Iron Fist Returns in Marvel’s Eyes of Wakanda: A Bold New Animated Series
All the same, not everyone believes all four projects will stick. Disney has a history of holding release dates for flexibility to keep their options open. Just like Blade was removed from its spot in November 2025 after Disney decided to switch it with Predator: Badlands.
Final Thoughts
The release date has been officially confirmed to be December 15, 2028. The fans are already debating and speculating on what Marvel has planned. Whether Fantastic Four 2, Secret Wars Part 2, an X-Men reboot sequel, or something completely off the radar, the hype is real. One thing’s for certain: the MCU’s future remains as ambitious and mysterious as ever.
Did you miss some Marvel movies and series released in Phase 5? It is the best time to watch them since Phase 6 will soon begin with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps on 25 July 2025.
