Marvel-ous revelations: 8 jaw-dropping announcements from 2024's San Diego Comic-Con.
The Marvel panel at San Diego Comic-Con, led by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, truly captivated audiences this year with some exciting updates about the MCU's upcoming films. This renowned event attracts countless fans annually, all eager to hear major announcements about their favourite cinematic franchises like the MCU. Here are the eight biggest revelations from the Marvel panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con:
MCU's box office milestone
Kevin Feige revealed that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially reached a cumulative $30 billion in box office earnings. The recent financial triumph of Deadpool & Wolverine provided the final boost needed to achieve this milestone, solidifying the MCU's status as the most profitable film franchise of all time.
Captain America: Brave New World and the Serpent Society
During the discussion about the next chapter in the Captain America franchise, it was revealed that the Serpent Society would debut in the MCU, playing a significant role in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. In the comics, the Serpent Society is a mercenary group of snake-themed villains, known as one of the series' most successful criminal organisations. Their inclusion hints at Captain America: Brave New World's return to the more grounded, political espionage narrative seen in films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder
Fans were thrilled when it was announced that Giancarlo Esposito, known for his villainous roles in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, would join the MCU. After his appearance in the first trailer for Captain America: Brave New World, speculation ran wild about his role. Esposito taunted fans that no one had guessed correctly, until it was finally confirmed at Comic-Con that he would play the supervillain Sidewinder, the original creator of the Serpent Society. This character's advanced technology and teleportation powers will make for an exciting addition to the MCU.
Fantastic Four: First Steps
The highly anticipated reboot of Fantastic Four has been renamed Fantastic Four: First Steps to distinguish it from its Fox predecessors. This thrilling film will serve as an origin story for the superhero group, set in a distinctive 1960s-inspired retro-future. Brief clips highlighted the quartet's transformation into superheroes during a space mission, as well as a nostalgic scene featuring Benjamin Grimm on a 60s-style dating show. The introduction of the new subtitle has rekindled fan interest and excitement for this upcoming film, promising a fresh and engaging take on the beloved characters.
Teasing the appearance of Galactus
One of the juiciest details revealed about Fantastic Four: First Steps was the primary villain. While previous films relied on Doctor Doom, the panel gave a brief glimpse of Galactus, a terrifying Celestial being known for eating planets. This addition is sure to excite fans looking forward to seeing new, formidable villains in the MCU.
The Return of the Russo brothers
Joe and Anthony Russo, highly respected by MCU fans, announced their return to the franchise. The sibling duo will direct the next two mainline installments in the Avengers series: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Both films are slated to release in May of 2026 and 2027, respectively, marking the return of the acclaimed directors who helmed critical and box office hits like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame.
Avengers 5 title change and Doctor Doom
The last few entries in the MCU focused on Kang the Conqueror, but Marvel Studios decided to take a new direction with their upcoming Avengers film. At the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that the film, previously titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, would now be called Avengers: Doomsday. Kevin Feige confirmed that the highly anticipated film would feature Doctor Doom as the central villain. This exciting change has generated significant buzz among fans, who are eager to see one of Marvel's most iconic villains take centre stage in the MCU.
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
The most shocking reveal was the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU, not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom. This announcement was the biggest bombshell of Comic-Con 2024, surprising fans and promising a captivating future for the MCU with Downey Jr. making the switch from hero to villain in taking on this iconic villainous role.
