New year, new Marvel content! While Marvel has found itself in a little bit of a rough patch with their films as of late (with the exception of Deadpool & Wolverine), things might change for the better.
This year Marvel will be releasing three films, each of them unique and vastly different from the other in all the right ways. Will these films turn things around for Marvel?
Let's discuss and theorize!
Captain America: Brave New World
Starting off the list is Captain America: Brave New World, a continuation of the Disney Plus show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier from 2021. One of the lesser-known Marvel shows on the streaming platform, brought together the new team-up of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
As the duo learns to work together as well as with the government and dives into stopping a new threat, the show builds up to the big reveal of The Falcon (Sam Wilson) becoming the new Captain America. Not to be confused with the Captain America (John Walker) the government wanted citizens to adore, acting more as a symbol than an actual hero, though we'll be seeing more of him later.
The Falcon now has big shoes to fill, and it seems the world is less than thrilled to welcome a new Captain America. The trailer has its moments, including the introduction of Red Hulk but will this become another Secret Invasion, where the trailer was miles better than anything the show actually delivered?
We're on the fence with this one, as on the one hand, this could prove to be an action-packed, thrilling film that Marvel is severely lacking, or it could become something completely forgettable.
Release date: February 14
Thunderbolts
What some jokingly refer to as the Marvel version of DC's Suicide Squad, Thunderbolts brings together the Marvel villains/anti-heroes Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Ghost, and the Red Guardian. Unfortunately for audiences unfamiliar with the characters, they'll need to catch up on their MCU content, and it's a lot.
But for those who do remember, this could be a fun, action-packed, even humorous film. Truthfully the cast is a unique bunch where you don't know who will be making connections or fighting with who.
Given their personal histories, it will be intriguing to see how well the characters will work as a collective team when most have always had the advantage of working solo for the majority of their lives. We're a little more optimistic with this film, as we can easily see it becoming the surprise smash hit no one saw coming or a mid-level Marvel film to watch before the last film on our list premieres in theaters.
Release date: May 2
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Last but not least is the film everyone is talking about, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Previously the Fantastic Four franchise has been no stranger to theaters with three films, all of which seem to get progressively worse (I'm still dumbfounded by FANT4STIC from 2015).
This time around Marvel is taking the reins and doing the story over with a 1960s flair most fans have been hoping to see. While details remain scarce at the current moment, we do know that we'll be seeing both the Silver Surfer and Galactus.
With Pedro Pascal leading the cast, both literally and figuratively, there is a lot of pressure riding on this film. Marvel is truly putting all their eggs into this basket, as this film seems to lead into 2026's Avengers: Doomsday where it was revealed Robert Downey Jr. will be returning not as Iron Man but as Doctor Doom.
From our perspective, all things considered, this will be the Marvel film to watch this year. It has the most hype of the three, channeling the unending love fans old and new have for the Fantastic Four as a whole.
We can only hope Fantastic Four: First Steps reassures audiences that Marvel hasn't lost its touch.
Release date: July 25
Which of the Marvel films mention do you think will be a box office success or failure?