Marvel President Kevin Feige has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, confirming that fan-favorite franchises like the X-Men and Fantastic Four will finally join the fold. During Marvel’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, Feige announced a slew of upcoming projects, but also teased that even more is on the horizon beyond 2021, including sequels to Black Panther and Captain Marvel, as well as the long-awaited integration of the X-Men and Fantastic Four.

What’s Coming Next: From Black Panther 2 to Mutants

At the end of the presentation, Feige confirmed that Black Panther 2, Blade, Captain Marvel 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fantastic Four, and a project centered on Mutants are all in development — though release dates have not yet been set. The announcement was met with roaring applause from fans who have waited years for these properties to enter the MCU.

“We have a lot more in store beyond what we showed tonight,” Feige told the crowd. “These are just the beginning of the next chapter.”

The news comes as no surprise given Disney’s long-term strategy. In May, the company reserved release dates for 65 films over the next eight years, covering Marvel, Star Wars, and live-action Disney titles. By 2022, at least three Marvel films are scheduled: February 18th, May 6th, and July 29th. After 2023, the calendar becomes less crowded, with only Star Wars and Avatar films listed. If Marvel maintains its current pace of three films per year, fans can expect at least 18 MCU movies between now and 2027 — not counting Disney+ series.

New Faces and Old Favorites: The Rights Puzzle Solved

Phase 4, as revealed tonight, blends sequels featuring established heroes with entirely new characters. This mix suggests Marvel will continue introducing fresh faces while deepening existing storylines. The inclusion of the Fantastic Four and mutants marks a historic shift, as these characters were previously tied up in complex rights issues with 21st Century Fox. Now that Disney has acquired Fox, Feige and his team can finally bring them into the MCU — though not immediately.

“We’re thrilled to have the X-Men and Fantastic Four back home,” Feige said. “But we want to introduce them in the right way, at the right time.”

With a packed schedule and a universe expanding faster than ever, Marvel is clearly building toward a future where its most iconic teams — old and new — will share the screen. The coming years promise to be a golden age for superhero fans, as the MCU continues to evolve and surprise.