Marvel Studios is investing heavily in the second half of 2025 with strategic releases that expand and redefine its audiovisual universe. From movie theaters to Disney+, it presents films, series, and adult animation that reinforce the legacy of its most iconic characters.
A must-have calendar for fans of the MCU and contemporary superhero cinema.
Fantastic Four: First Steps
The long-awaited return of Marvel's First Family now has a date: "Fantastic Four: First Steps" opens in Spanish theaters on July 25, marking the beginning of their role within Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
This new version, directed by Matt Shakman, unlike previous installments, omits the classic cosmic accident of origin: the heroes are already established as a team—Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss Bachrach). Their routine is disrupted when Galactus (Ralph Ineson), the world-devouring superhero, appears, accompanied by a female Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner).
The official footage has been adjusted to 115 minutes, trimming 15 minutes from the initially announced running time. This change responds to a creative decision to avoid secondary subplots and strengthen the narrative pacing, especially around supporting characters, to give greater cohesion to the overall story. Marvel appears to be taking note of previous criticisms about recent films being overstuffed with filler and is thus seeking a more condensed structure that maintains focus on the central threat and the group dynamics, without unnecessary digressions.
Shot at Pinewood Studios in Oviedo and Atlanta, the film stands out for its practical effects, the use of physical models of the Fantasticar, real costumes, and a production design featuring pastel colors and retro architecture.
The music, by Michael Giacchino, provides a nostalgic and heroic tone. Everything points to this film being a love letter to the Marvel legacy and classic superhero cinema.
Eyes of Wakanda: The MCU's new animated series
On August 6, Disney+ premieres Eyes of Wakanda, an animated miniseries from Marvel Studios that expands the Black Panther universe from a new perspective: The story follows the Hatut Zeraze, elite agents tasked with preventing Vibranium from falling into the wrong hands.
Rather than focusing on Wakandan royalty, this production spans from the end of the Bronze Age to the present day, chronicling how various operatives infiltrated the world to reclaim what is theirs. Each episode offers a glimpse into a different historical era, revealing the technological evolution and geopolitical tensions surrounding Wakanda and its policy of isolation.
Conceived by Ryan Coogler and directed by Todd Harris, the animation is by Flying Bark, with a visual style that fuses hand-drawn lines, African-American aesthetics, and graphic novel textures.
Eyes of Wakanda will consist of four episodes (120 minutes in total) and integrates directly into the official MCU timeline.
Marvel Zombies: Animated Horror and Infected Superheroes
On October 3, Disney+ presents Marvel Zombies, a four-part animated miniseries directed by Bryan Andrews and written by Zeb Wells, which adapts Robert Kirkman's comic with a bloody, adult, and post-apocalyptic approach.
Set after a quantum virus outbreak, the story sees former Avengers transformed into sentient zombies, while in Wakanda, a new resistance led by Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop, Yelena Belova, Shang-Chi and the Red Guardian fight to contain the plague and find a cure.
The series features raw animation, dark humor, somber palettes, and a soundtrack by Laura Karpman that evokes classic zombie cinema, with shocking scenes and the posing of ethical dilemmas about heroic identity and moral corruption.
Marvel Zombies is a brave and disturbing take on the MCU, perfect for the Halloween season.
Thunderbolts: Available in digital and physical formats and coming soon to Disney+
Following its theatrical release in May, Thunderbolts is now available to enjoy at home, although it is expected to arrive on Disney+ in late July or early August. It has been available digitally since July 1st and its physical release will take place on July 29th, with a SteelBook collector's edition, deleted scenes, commentary from director Jake Schreier, and exclusive content about the Sentry, The Void and Bob.
The story follows a group of MCU antiheroes assembled by the government for covert missions. With a dark tone, satirical humor, and moral exploration, the film offers a different take on traditional superheroes.
With theatrical releases and Disney+, Marvel Studios is strengthening its global presence in 2025. Each release combines visual innovation, tighter narratives, and thematic explorations unprecedented within the MCU, demonstrating its ability to renew itself and maintain audience interest in superhero entertainment beyond the conventional.
Don't forget to check out our collection of Marvel Universe merchandise .
