Convention - SDCC 2024 : Marvel Studios Unveils Epic Future Plans

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, Hall H, 27 july 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most exhilarating and momentous occasions for Marvel fans. The Marvel Studios panel in Hall H delivered a spectacular series of announcements that left the crowd electrified. The event began with a lively and visually stunning celebration of Deadpool & Wolverine, which is currently making waves in theaters. A choir set the stage by performing Like a Prayer while various Deadpool variants danced, setting the mood for what would be a truly unforgettable presentation. Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, made a surprise entrance, humorously searching for Peterpool among the crowd of variants, much to the delight of fans.

Rob Delaney, who stars in Deadpool & Wolverine and served as the master of ceremonies, took to the stage after being called up by Kevin Feige. Delaney then dropped a bombshell on the audience, announcing that a surprise screening of Deadpool & Wolverine was set for Comic-Con attendees. This unexpected treat was only the beginning, as Delaney further revealed that the night would conclude with an impressive drone show and a fireworks display at San Diego's Petco Park. The announcement was met with thunderous applause, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Following the exciting Deadpool & Wolverine segment, the focus shifted to another highly anticipated Marvel film: Captain America: Brave New World. Rob Delaney welcomed Anthony Mackie to the stage, who was joined by his co-stars Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez, and Giancarlo Esposito. The panel collectively unveiled exclusive footage from the film, giving fans a first glimpse of Sam Wilson's journey as the new Captain America. Harrison Ford then made a surprise appearance, marking his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as President Thaddeus Ross. The footage showcased Sam Wilson as he finds himself thrust into the heart of a massive international incident, racing against time to uncover a sinister plot before it ignites global chaos. The tension and excitement in the room were palpable as fans eagerly absorbed every detail.

The surprises continued as the panel turned its attention to Thunderbolts, a film that promises to bring together some of the MCU's most unexpected characters. Rob Delaney introduced director Jake Schreier, who was joined on stage by an ensemble cast that included Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour. David Harbour, in a move that delighted the audience, appeared in full Red Guardian costume, eliciting laughter and cheers from the crowd. The cast shared an exclusive scene from the film, which featured an action-packed and irreverent team-up between Yelena Belova and the rest of the Thunderbolts crew. The footage promised a blend of humor, action, and the kind of character dynamics that have become a hallmark of the MCU.

Kevin Feige then returned to the stage to reveal details about one of the most eagerly awaited Marvel projects: The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Accompanied by director Matt Shakman and the film's stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Feige announced that production would begin on Tuesday, July 30. The cast, described as Marvel's “first family,” shared their excitement about bringing this iconic team to life on the big screen. The film's plot will see the Fantastic Four facing cosmic threats, including the infamous Galactus and the Silver Surfer, who are targeting Earth for destruction. To cap off the presentation, the Fantasticar was revealed in dramatic fashion, flying over the panel while the screens projected a retro-futuristic version of New York City. The audience was treated to a musical score by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino, which further heightened the excitement.

Just as the event seemed to be drawing to a close, Kevin Feige took the stage once more for a final, earth-shattering announcement. Feige revealed that the Russo Brothers, Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, would be returning to direct not one, but two major Marvel films: Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday. The Russo Brothers, who directed some of Marvel's biggest hits including Avengers: Endgame, were greeted with a massive "Russo!" chant from the audience. The brothers expressed their excitement about returning to the MCU, explaining that they had found the perfect story to bring them back—one that reignited their passion for comics. The first of these two films, Avengers: Doomsday, will feature Robert Downey Jr. in a jaw-dropping return to the MCU, this time as the iconic villain Doctor Doom. Downey Jr. himself made a surprise appearance, sending the audience into a frenzy as he donned Doom's mask and delivered a line that would be remembered by fans for years to come: “New mask, same task…What can I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters!”

The panel ended on a high note, with the Russo Brothers promising that Avengers: Doomsday would set the stage for an even bigger event in Avengers: Secret Wars, which will follow two years later. The announcements made at SDCC 2024 not only showcased Marvel Studios' unparalleled ability to create unforgettable cinematic experiences but also highlighted the deep connection between the studio and its passionate fan base. With an array of films that promise to push the boundaries of storytelling and spectacle, Marvel Studios once again proved that they are the reigning champions of the superhero genre, and that the future of the MCU is brighter than ever.

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Photos and video  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville