Marvel Studios appears to be preparing a sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps even before its theatrical debut next month.
Variety reports an untitled Fantastic Four continuation sits among several undeveloped Marvel projects, including Ryan Coogler's Black Panther 3 and the repeatedly postponed Blade revival.
This sequel speculation follows Disney's announcement scheduling another Marvel release for December 15, 2028 - though declining to specify the property - joining three previously announced 2028 Marvel films slated for February, May and November.
Though The Fantastic Four hasn't premiered yet, Marvel's apparent sequel planning reflects confidence in the franchise's potential. The studio has already confirmed its cast will feature prominently in Avengers: Doomsday.
Questions remain about which other Marvel properties might warrant sequels following the mixed reception of recent MCU phases.
Eternals appears shelved for now, while Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels, and Captain America: Brave New World seem unlikely candidates given their underwhelming box office returns. The Guardians of the Galaxy series also appears concluded following James Gunn's departure.
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Fan-favorite Shang-Chi hasn't appeared since his 2021 debut, with his next MCU role scheduled for Avengers: Doomsday. Doctor Strange's multiversal adventures seemed better suited to the concluding current MCU arc.
Thor's future remains uncertain following Love and Thunder's reception and Chris Hemsworth's ambiguous comments about continuing the role.
Assuming First Steps meets expectations, Marvel appears positioned to fast-track its sequel amid their packed upcoming slate: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 2026), Avengers Doomsday (December 2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027).
