The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for a thrilling 2025, promising an array of captivating storylines featuring both new and familiar characters. Impacted by a quieter schedule in 2024—only seeing the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, which broke records to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie—2025 is set to rejuvenate the franchise with several significant releases. Among them are Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Besides these blockbuster films, Marvel Studios has lined up nine projects for 2025, with six debuting on Disney+. These offerings span live-action series to animated shows, creating a rich tapestry for MCU enthusiasts to explore. Each of these projects holds the potential to become a fan-favorite, with thrilling narratives that expand the Marvel universe.
10
Kingpin’s Mayoral Race
Daredevil: Born Again (March 4, 2025)
The much-anticipated revival of one of Marvel’s finest live-action series, Daredevil: Born Again, introduces Dario Scardapane— known for The Punisher—as showrunner. This fresh direction hints at an even darker tone compared to Netflix’s iteration. Following Kingpin’s transformative journey in Echo, the series will delve into his ambitious pursuit of becoming New York City’s mayor.
This political maneuvering will once again clash with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, as Matt Murdock seeks to thwart Kingpin’s nefarious ambitions. The storyline teases the possibility of setting up the comic’s pivotal Devil’s Reign event, where Kingpin’s reign leads to a ruthless crackdown on street-level heroes, potentially creating a rich narrative for season one.
9
Captain America Fighting Red Hulk
Captain America: Brave New World (February 14, 2025)
Captain America: Brave New World heralds Anthony Mackie’s debut as the titular character on the big screen. This film positions Sam Wilson against formidable foes, including Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder, the renowned Tim Blake Nelson’s return as The Leader, and Harrison Ford’s fierce incarnation of the Red Hulk.
The tension is palpable, particularly given this Red Hulk’s contrasting persona to Mark Ruffalo’s Smart Hulk, characterized by raw, unchecked rage. Sam Wilson’s tactical ingenuity will be crucial as he faces the chaotic wrath of the Red Hulk, showcasing his adaptability despite facing a physically overpowering opponent.
8
The Punisher’s MCU Return
Daredevil: Born Again (March 4, 2025)
Within the context of Daredevil: Born Again, fans eagerly anticipate the return of beloved characters from the Netflix series, particularly Jon Bernthal’s Punisher. His inclusion fits seamlessly within the narrative, given his intricate connections to Daredevil and Kingpin.
Marvel has been teasing glimpses of Bernthal’s Punisher, prominently featuring the iconic skull emblem. Notably, specific scenes suggest an impersonator wreaking havoc in Frank Castle’s name, promising to ignite conflict. The dynamics among Daredevil, Karen Page, and the Punisher could set the stage for intriguing developments, potentially leading to future series spin-offs.
7
The Explanation Of Where The Fantastic Four Have Been
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25, 2025)
Perhaps no 2025 Marvel release carries more weight than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This film marks the debut of Marvel’s First Family under the Marvel Studios banner, following previous adaptations that were less well received. The MCU aims to establish a definitive version of these beloved superheroes, incorporating fresh elements that resonate with modern audiences.
6
A New Spider-Man Origin Story
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (January 29, 2025)
Marvel is progressing with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man 4 while concurrently introducing a brand-new Peter Parker in an animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. This will feature a different voice actor, Hudson Thames, stepping into the role.
This fresh interpretation will explore iconic villains like Norman Osborn, voiced by Colman Domingo, while also showcasing alliance with heroes like Daredevil and Doctor Strange, who plays a crucial role in shaping this new Spider-Man’s origin story. In a notable twist, Osborn acts as Peter’s mentor, rather than the classic mentor Tony Stark, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.
5
Technology Vs Magic In Ironheart
Ironheart (June 4, 2025)
With Ironheart, Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams is set to carry forward Iron Man’s legacy by crafting new suits of armor, following her introduction in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. As she embarks on her own journey, the series promises to introduce new challenges, balancing technology and magic.
Riri will confront Anthony Ramos’ Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, who wields mystic powers. This clash between technological ingenuity and supernatural forces offers a refreshing dynamic, differing from Iron Man’s primarily technological battles throughout the MCU.
4
The Thunderbolts* Come Together
Thunderbolts* (May 2, 2025)
Among the critiques of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga has been its tendency to introduce numerous characters without direction. Thunderbolts* addresses this concern, working to unite key figures like Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes, alongside lesser-known characters such as Ghost and Taskmaster.
Confirmed Thunderbolts Cast Member | Character The Actor Plays |
---|---|
Sebastian Stan | James “Bucky”Barnes, A.K.A. The Winter Soldier |
Florence Pugh | Yelena Belova, A.K.A. Black Widow |
Wyatt Russell | John Walker, A.K.A. US Agent |
David Harbour | Alexei Shostakov, A.K.A. Red Guardian |
Hannah John-Kamen | Ava Starr, A.K.A. Ghost |
Olga Kurylenko | Antonia Dreykov, A.K.A. Taskmaster |
Julia Louis-Dreyfus | Countess Valentina Allegra De Fontaine |
Harrison Ford | President Thaddeus Ross |
Lewis Pullman | Bob (Sentry) |
Geraldine Viswanathan | Unconfirmed |
Marvel’s President Kevin Feige has indicated that Bucky Barnes will lead the Thunderbolts, creating potential for exciting character interplay. Given their notorious pasts, this darker portrayal of a team could set the stage for unprecedented narratives in the MCU.
3
Whether Sentry’s MCU Debut Will Be Comics-Accurate
Thunderbolts* (May 2, 2025)
Though unconfirmed, rumors suggests Sentry will appear in Thunderbolts*. Following casting changes due to production delays, Lewis Pullman has taken on this intriguing role. Central to upcoming discussions is how accurately Sentry reflects his comic book origins.
Key aspects include his heroic appearance and the complexities of his dual nature. Interestingly, the comics explore Sentry’s history of having been erased from collective memories to suppress his dark alter ego, the Void, which may be mirrored in the MCU narrative.
2
How Marvel’s Heroes Fare In A Zombie Apocalypse… Again
Marvel Zombies (October 3, 2025)
Drawing inspiration from the popular What If…? episode, Marvel Studios is venturing into the zombie apocalypse theme with Marvel Zombies, poised to be the MCU’s first animated series rated TV-MA. This release will also feature the debut of Blade, portrayed by Mahershala Ali, shifting away from Wesley Snipes’ rendition.
Continuing the narrative teased in What If…?, the series might unfold witness to zombie Thanos’ assault on Wakanda, meaning thrilling interactions among characters like Yelena Belova, Shang-Chi, and Kate Bishop.
1
The First Actor-Turned Superhero In The MCU
Wonder Man (December 2025)
Introducing a novel perspective, Wonder Man introduces Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, an actor turned superhero, opening doors for exciting celebrity cameos, including the return of Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery. The comedic dynamic in their friendship hinted at in early footage bodes well for a lighthearted entry into the MCU.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, Wonder Man could provide humorous commentary on the very world of Hollywood while also exploring Simon’s powerful abilities that connect him with other Marvel characters like Scarlet Witch. This blend of humor and heroism serves as a fitting finale for the MCU’s 2025 slate.
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