Marvel Sets 'Fantastic Four' Sequel for 2028 Amid Delay

Marvel appears to be gearing up for a Fantastic Four sequel even before their upcoming First Steps film hits theaters next month.

Variety reports that an untitled Fantastic Four follow-up is currently in development alongside other mysterious Marvel projects, including Ryan Coogler's Black Panther 3 and the repeatedly postponed Blade reboot.

This development comes shortly after Disney announced a fourth unnamed Marvel film slated for December 15, 2028 - strategically placed after three other scheduled Marvel releases that same year in February, May and November.

While we haven't even seen The Fantastic Four's MCU debut yet, Marvel's forward planning makes commercial sense. The studio clearly has faith in First Steps, having already confirmed the team's involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

The question remains: which other Marvel properties might warrant sequels after the mixed reception of recent MCU phases?

Certain properties seem unlikely to continue. Eternals remains in limbo, while underperformers like Quantumania, The Marvels and Brave New World probably won't get greenlit for follow-ups anytime soon. Even the beloved Guardians franchise appears to be on hiatus following James Gunn's departure.

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Fan-favorite Shang-Chi hasn't appeared in five years (though he's returning in Doomsday), while Doctor Strange's multiverse adventures might feel out of place as the current saga concludes.

Thor's future seems uncertain after Love and Thunder's disappointing reception - compounded by Chris Hemsworth's cryptic social media posts suggesting he might be done with the character.

Given this context, Marvel seems to be betting big on Fantastic Four's success. Their upcoming slate includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 2026), followed by two Avengers installments - Doomsday (December 2026) and Secret Wars (December 2027).