On a night filled with excitement and surprises, Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con delivered an experience for fans that had been waiting all day for, revealing exclusive footage, surprise appearances, and major announcements for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
“Deadpool & Wolverine”
The showcase opened with a celebration of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” currently in theaters. A full choral performance of “Like a Prayer” and dancing Deadpool variants set the tone, followed by Rob Delaney joining Kevin Feige as the night’s MC. The film, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman and directed by Shawn Levy, has already broken box office records for an R-rated release, pushing the MCU’s total box office earnings over the $30 billion mark with 34 movies.
“Captain America: Brave New World”
The panel continued with Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, and the cast of “Captain America: Brave New World” joining host Rob Delaney on stage. The exclusive sneak peek revealed footage from the film, set to open in theaters on February 14, 2025. Harrison Ford, making his MCU debut as President Thaddeus Ross, joined the cast in unveiling the film’s plot, which follows Sam Wilson, portrayed by Mackie, as he navigates an international incident.
“Thunderbolts*”
Marvel Studios
Director Jake Schreier and the cast of “Thunderbolts*” took the stage next, including David Harbour in full Red Guardian costume. The panel provided details on the upcoming movie, set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025. The film features a team of unlikely heroes, including Yelena Belova and other MCU misfits, promising a unique and irreverent take on the superhero genre.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps”
Kevin Feige returned to share exciting news about “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which kicks off production on Tuesday. Director Matt Shakman and the newly cast Fantastic Four—Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach—joined him on stage. The panel revealed the film’s plot, which involves Galactus and Silver Surfer targeting Earth. The event reached a high point when the Fantasticar soared over the crowd, creating a buzz for the film set to release on July 25, 2025.
Also Check Out: Kevin Feige Addresses The Status of Marvel Studios’ Eternals 2
Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers Return to the MCU
In the biggest moment of the night, Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers appeared on stage to announce their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Russo Brothers, who directed some of Marvel’s most successful films, will helm the upcoming “Avengers: Secret Wars” in May 2027 and “Avengers: Doomsday” in May 2026. The reveal of “Avengers: Doomsday” also teased the introduction of Doctor Doom, with Robert Downey Jr. making a dramatic appearance in a Doctor Doom mask, sending the audience into a frenzy.
Overall
The Marvel Studios Hall H panel was an event, filled with thrilling announcements and exclusive first looks that had been missing from Hall H for a while. This was a panel that had the audience happy for their patience in waiting all day for this panel. The return of Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers, along with updates on upcoming films like “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts*,” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” left fans eagerly anticipating the next phase of the MCU. Check out LRM tomorrow as we analyze the changes the MCU has made since its last panel 2 years ago.
