The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an ever-changing landscape full of possibility. We saw that throughout the Multiverse Saga as a number of highs meant that the studio doubled down on everything that was working before ultimately pulling back and pressing the reset button when the standard began to decline. Look no further than the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which originally had a different title and a very different villain at the center of it. Now, it's all about Robert Downey Jr.'s MCU return as Doctor Doom.
With the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga nearly upon us, it's looking like Marvel is about ready to reset things again, as new reports suggest that the studio's original plans for the next saga have already shifted.
Black Panther 3 may no longer be the first post-Multiverse Saga MCU movie
While very little is known about the next chapter of the MCU after Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, there were two things that were clear: Black Panther 3 would be the next saga's first film, and the majority of that saga would place a focus on the mutants as Marvel plans to introduce a new, younger, full-time version of the X-Men. However, as reported by The Direct, comments from insider Jeff Sneider may suggest that those plans have been shifted around somewhat - and, more specifically, that neither of those projects will open the next chapter.
Sneider, while discussing the franchise on The Hot Mic Podcast, suggested that the next Deadpool movie might actually be the first film of the MCU's post-Multiverse Saga era, saying:
"I don’t think the X-Men movie is going to be the next movie that is put into production after 'Secret Wars.' You know what I think it’s going to be? I think Deadpool, I think there’s going to be another Deadpool movie. I think Shawn Levy's going to be back directing another Deadpool movie after 'Secret Wars.' I don’t know what it’s ultimately going to be about, but I think Deadpool would like to interact with the new X-Men."
Ryan Reynolds has confirmed that he is working on a fourth Deadpool movie for Marvel, but he also reiterated that any potential Deadpool 4 wouldn't be a solo movie for the Merc With A Mouth. After the ridiculous success story that was 2024's Deadpool and Wolverine, it's understandable that all involved would want to make the most of that once again by pairing Wade Wilson with more characters for another team-up movie. Rumor has it that might involve some of the young X-Men cast.
The only issue with that is where it would potentially take place in regards to Marvel's upcoming X-Men reboot. We know that a new version of Marvel's Mightiest Mutants are on their way to the MCU, with only Hugh Jackman's Wolverine expected to stick around as a legacy member of the original cast (other stars of the original X-Men movie series will return in Avengers: Doomsday, which is expected to serve as a send-off for their characters), but how could they theoretically appear before their own solo movie? Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is bringing the mutants to the MCU in their standalone film, which is currently shaping up to be the buzziest film in the franchise beyond 2027.
Speaking of Jackman, there have long been rumors that the studio is eager to make a sequel to Deadpool and Wolverine to try and replicate its incredible $1.3 billion box office takings. It's certainly plausible because both Jackman and Reynolds had incredible chemistry as their outlandish characters and considering that the next saga of the MCU is set to be known as "the Mutants Era" that would be a fitting opening project. And Marvel certainly wouldn't mind another billion dollar hit off the back of Avengers: Secret Wars.
The other question is where this would leave Black Panther 3. The film isn't in danger by any means; the Black Panther movies are both incredibly successful and universally adored and we know that Ryan Coogler is returning to direct one more. However, it was originally set for a February 2028 release - which would have made it the first MCU movie post-Avengers: Secret Wars - but that specific release date has since been removed from Marvel's calendar, with July 2028 now hosting a Marvel Studios slot instead. Does that mean the studio has made the decision to delay Black Panther 3 specifically, or are we just looking at a delayed start to the franchise's next chapter?
By the sounds of things, all three of these movies are still planned to feature in the Mutants Era's opening chapter; it's just less clear which order they will come in. Considering that the Mutants Era will likely be all about the X-Men, it would make sense if the actual X-Men reboot movie got the opening slot. But then again, Deadpool 4 and Black Panther 3 would also likely feature important nods and references to the mutants, so it's really anybody's guess.
Right now, however, it's all about ending the Multiverse Saga on a high. And considering the buzz surrounding Avengers: Doomsday right about now, Marvel Studios is very much on track to do that.
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