The Fantastic Four might have only just taken their first steps into Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, but Marvel is going out of its way to cement the team as the focal point of its new phase. Even before their MCU debut, the Fantastic Four were teased at the very end of Thunderbolts*, in a credits scene that seemed to spoil the ending of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Fortunately, the film put those fears to rest with a satisfying, self-contained adventure — but as the MCU looks ahead to Avengers: Doomsday and beyond, it won’t be the only potential spoiler in the Four’s path.
It won’t be long before we get to see the Fantastic Four return: one way or another, they’ll be teaming up with some version of the Avengers to face off against Doctor Doom. Next comes Secret Wars, a crossover set to break Marvel’s multiverse and reconfigure it in unexpected ways. And according to industry leaker Jeff Sneider, Marvel is already thinking further ahead, to what the MCU will look like after the events of Secret Wars. On the list of potential projects is a sequel to The Fantastic Four, for which director Matt Shakman is reportedly in talks to return.
