Marvel Studios is already planning the future of the MCU. However, the biggest changes could come after Avengers: Secret Wars, as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has now teased the studio’s long-term plans for the X-Men and Spider-Man. According to Feige, the X-Men could become the foundation of the MCU’s next major era, while Marvel also has major plans for Spider-Man beyond Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Kevin Feige Says the X-Men Will Be at the MCU’s Core
The X-Men are expected to play a major role in Marvel’s future. In fact, Kevin Feige confirmed that the mutant team will be central to the MCU’s next major saga.
Discussing Marvel’s long-term plans, Feige explained that acquiring the X-Men rights was never only about bringing back Wolverine. Although Wolverine remains one of Marvel’s most popular characters, the X-Men universe is much bigger than one hero.
“Acquiring the X-Men rights isn’t just about… for example, Wolverine is an outstanding character, and we were able to team him up with Deadpool, which is great. But the X-Men are far more than just Wolverine, far more than the original team; fundamentally, it’s a universe, a multi-stage saga. Much of that is what we’re working towards.”
Feige also confirmed:
“The X-Men will be at its core,”
This strongly suggests that Marvel is building toward a much larger mutant-focused storyline after the current MCU saga concludes.
Kevin Feige Teases Marvel’s Massive Mutant Saga
Marvel has already released multiple X-Men movies under 20th Century Fox. However, the MCU’s upcoming reboot could take the franchise in a completely new direction.
Feige admitted that Marvel is carefully planning the future of the X-Men. Moreover, he suggested that the studio wants to create a long-term “mutant saga” instead of simply remaking the original movies.
“We’re constantly changing, constantly evolving, but having some guidance helps us act more purposefully, especially with X-Men—it’s already had 10 movies, some very, very good, some I think haven’t lived up to expectations—how do we plan the ‘mutant saga’ in a very grand way?”
As a result, Marvel may look beyond the most familiar X-Men characters. The studio has a huge number of mutants available for future stories. Therefore, the new saga could introduce several heroes who have never appeared in a live-action Marvel movie.
Marvel Wants to Explore More X-Men Characters
Feige also revealed that Marvel’s long-term schedule is already planned far into the future. He specifically highlighted the many unexplored characters connected to the X-Men universe.
“That being said, we have many more characters to explore in the future—the schedule is already booked until 2042, especially the X-Men. The X-Men have many unexplored characters from the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, which we’re very eager to explore. That’s why I’m excited about the X-Men: we can show the world different types of heroes.”
This could allow the MCU to introduce new heroes from different backgrounds. Additionally, it could expand the mutant universe beyond the characters audiences already know.
Avengers: Secret Wars Could Give Fox’s X-Men a Final Send-Off
Before Marvel completely reboots the X-Men, several familiar characters from the Fox era are expected to return.
The upcoming Avengers films will reportedly bring back several legacy X-Men characters. However, Feige has described their appearances as a final send-off for that version of the franchise.
Consequently, Avengers: Secret Wars could become a major turning point for Marvel’s mutant future. The movie may celebrate the X-Men’s past before introducing a new generation of mutants in the MCU.
Meanwhile, Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is developing Marvel Studios’ new X-Men reboot. Although specific story details remain under wraps, the project could become one of the MCU’s most important future releases.
Kevin Feige Confirms Long-Term Plans for Spider-Man
The X-Men are not the only Marvel heroes with a major future ahead.
Kevin Feige also confirmed that Marvel Studios has long-term plans for Spider-Man beyond Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Additionally, those plans could eventually introduce Miles Morales into live-action.
Feige pointed to a memorable line from Spider-Man: No Way Home involving Electro and the idea of a Black Spider-Man. Fans immediately connected the moment to Miles Morales.
“There’s a line in Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Electro says, ‘There’s always a black Spider-Man somewhere.’ Audiences around the world were thrilled because they knew it might be a hint at Miles. The good news is, Sony has the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse series, which are very popular and excellent, and Beyond the Universe is coming out next year.”
For now, Sony’s animated Spider-Verse franchise continues to tell Miles’ story. However, Feige confirmed that Marvel is also considering a live-action future for the character.
“But yes, we definitely have plans [for a live-action Miles], and I think a live-action Spider-Man movie has this destiny: to add Miles sometime after the Spider-Verse series ends.”
Miles Morales Could Eventually Join Live-Action Spider-Man
A live-action Miles Morales has been one of the most popular fan requests for years. Now, Kevin Feige has confirmed that Marvel has already discussed the possibility.
The timing, however, appears to be important. Feige suggested that Miles could make his live-action debut after the Spider-Verse movies conclude.
As a result, fans may have to wait several years before Miles officially joins the live-action MCU. Nevertheless, Marvel’s long-term planning suggests that the character is firmly on the studio’s radar.
Marvel Is Already Planning the Next Five Spider-Man Movies
Marvel’s Spider-Man plans extend far beyond Brand New Day.
Feige revealed that Marvel has already held detailed discussions about multiple future Spider-Man movies. These plans reportedly include the next two, three, four, and even five adventures.
“We’ve been thinking and discussing more Spider-Man adventures, regardless of agreements or contracts. My production partner, Amy Pascal, is already working on it, and we’ve had in-depth discussions about what the next two, three, four, and five Spider-Man movies might be about.”
This confirms that Marvel is thinking about Spider-Man as a long-term franchise. Therefore, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is unlikely to be the end of the current Spider-Man story.
Instead, the movie could set up several new stories for Peter Parker. Eventually, those plans could also lead to the arrival of Miles Morales.
Kevin Feige Addresses the Next Black Panther Rumors
Feige was also asked about rumors surrounding the next Black Panther.
Specifically, speculation has linked Damson Idris to the role of the MCU’s next Black Panther. However, Feige declined to confirm or deny the reports.
For now, Marvel Studios has not officially revealed who will take on the Black Panther mantle next. Therefore, fans will have to wait for an official announcement.
What Marvel’s Future Could Look Like After Secret Wars?
Kevin Feige’s comments offer a major look at Marvel’s long-term strategy.
After Avengers: Secret Wars, the MCU could enter an era built around the X-Men and the wider mutant universe. At the same time, Spider-Man will continue to play a central role in Marvel’s future.
The studio is also looking beyond its most famous heroes. New mutants, international characters, and Miles Morales could all help shape the next generation of Marvel stories.
Therefore, the MCU’s future could look very different after Secret Wars. However, one thing is already clear: Marvel Studios has no plans to slow down its biggest franchises.
The X-Men could become the foundation of the next MCU saga, while Spider-Man could eventually share the spotlight with Miles Morales.
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