The Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2025: What to Expect
Following a turbulent few years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is packed with new releases for 2025, featuring an extensive lineup of Disney+ shows and theatrical films. With the conclusion of Phase Five and the initiation of Phase Six, Marvel Studios is set to bring a range of iconic heroes, fresh faces, and evolving storylines. Below, we cover all the upcoming MCU films and shows, including the fan-favorite heroes, legendary villains, and a few unexpected new characters.
Movies Coming in 2025
Captain America: Brave New World — Release Date: February 14, 2025
In early 2025, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) returns to the screen as Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World, marking a significant shift from Chris Evans’ portrayal. Directed by Julius Onah, this film features Sam Wilson’s evolution as Captain America, joined by Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), who assumes the Falcon mantle, and Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly).
Additionally, returning characters Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) and Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) will appear alongside MCU newcomers Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker, and Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph. Marvel’s choice to cast Haas initially stirred some controversy, prompting tweaks to her character’s backstory and removing her Sabra persona.
Thunderbolts* — Release Date: May 2, 2025
Closing out Phase Five, Thunderbolts* will premiere on May 2, 2025, directed by Jake Schreier. It features a compelling lineup of anti-heroes, including Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko).
New addition Lewis Pullman will portray the Sentry, adding to the intrigue. Interestingly, Marvel Studios added an asterisk to the Thunderbolts* title, hinting at its potential significance in post-release developments, with theories circulating about possible connections to the New Avengers or the Dark Avengers.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps — Release Date: July 25, 2025
Marvel’s “First Family” arrives in the MCU in The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, or as they are also known, Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and Thing.
Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson will portray Shala-Bal/Silver Surfer and Galactus, respectively, with additional surprise cast members anticipated. Fans are highly anticipating this reboot, especially with hints that a post-credits scene might introduce Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom, AKA Doctor Doom.
TV Shows Coming in 2025
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man — Release Date: January 29, 2025
Previously titled Spider-Man: Freshman Year, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delves into an alternate reality where Peter Parker’s mentor is Norman Osborn instead of Tony Stark. This animated series, led by Hudson Thames (What If…?) and a talented voice cast including Colman Domingo as Norman Osborn, offers a fresh, darker take on Spider-Man’s early journey in the MCU.
Daredevil: Born Again — Release Date: March 4, 2025
Daredevil: Born Again brings back Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk in a long-awaited continuation under Disney+. This nine-episode series features Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) while reintroducing Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) as the Punisher.
Ironheart — Release Date: June 24, 2025
Following her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) returns in Ironheart, where technology meets mysticism. As she refines her Ironheart suit, Riri confronts the Hood (Anthony Ramos) in a high-stakes clash that pits science against magic. Directors Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes helm this series, adding depth to Marvel’s exploration of character-driven stories.
Eyes of Wakanda — Release Date: August 6, 2025
Expanding Wakanda’s lore, Eyes of Wakanda explores vibranium’s legacy through the journeys of various War Dogs. Created by Ryan Coogler and directed by Todd Harris, this animated series promises to add layers to the African nation’s rich mythology, focusing on the ethical dilemmas Wakanda’s agents face worldwide.
Marvel Zombies — Release Date: October 2025
Just in time for Halloween, Marvel Zombies revisits the horrific alternate timeline first introduced in What If…?. Helmed by Bryan Andrews and written by Zeb Wells, this animated series follows Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) and a brave roster of survivors in a four-part, TV-MA-rated horror experience.
Wonder Man — Release Date: December 2025
Rounding out the year, Wonder Man introduces Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) under the Marvel Spotlight banner, allowing for a more self-contained exploration of the character. Directed by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton, the series follows Wonder Man’s adventures, including his interactions with people like Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) and Grim Reaper (Demetrius Grosse), offering fans a unique look into this lesser-known Marvel Comics character.
2025 will undoubtedly be a milestone year for the MCU, with nine shows and movies that promise excitement, complexity, and a few surprise returns. With each release, Marvel Studios continues to expand its cinematic universe, keeping fans guessing and eager for what lies ahead.
