San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024 was a treasure trove of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) revelations, with a particular focus on the upcoming slate of films in 2025. The Hall H panel, helmed by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, was a whirlwind of announcements, teasers, and surprises that left fans reeling with excitement.
From exclusive footage of Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, to the unexpected return of a beloved actor in a villainous role, SDCC 2024 solidified its reputation as the premier destination for Marvel enthusiasts. The MCU is clearly not slowing down, and SDCC 2024 has solidified its commitment to delivering thrilling, unexpected, and endlessly entertaining stories for years to come.
Here are some reveals that ignited fan frenzy:
1. Addressing Tiamut from Eternals
Marvel Studios isn’t shying away from addressing loose ends. The Captain America: Brave New World footage shown at SDCC 2024 hinted at a major connection to Eternals, specifically the dormant Celestial Tiamut in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The film seems to be tackling the unresolved plot thread head-on, revealing that Tiamut’s colossal corpse has led to the mining of adamantium, the legendary metal known for its indestructible properties.
2. Introducing Adamantium In The MCU
While the SDCC 2024 Marvel panel was a bit light on X-Men news, it did drop a bombshell that’s sure to shake up the MCU’s power dynamics: the introduction of adamantium, which is being mined from Tiamut’s corpse.
This revelation not only adds a fascinating new element to the MCU but also sets the stage for a potential arms race. With vibranium, the source of Wakanda’s power, facing competition from adamantium (the only metal strong enough to go up against vibranium), the geopolitical landscape of the MCU could be drastically altered. This newfound resource could become a coveted commodity, sparking conflict and intrigue among the world’s superpowers.
It also raises the question – is there a Wolverine and Weapon X program currently on Earth, and can it occur without adamantium?
3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps Gets New Title, Won’t Be Origin Story
The MCU Fantastic Four reboot, now officially titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps, took centre stage at SDCC 2024, reigniting excitement among fans. The newly unveiled title distinguishes it from its Fox predecessors, but it will ironically not focus on the team’s origin story.
A sneak peek of footage revealed a 1960s-inspired aesthetic, showcasing Reed Richards, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, as a science teacher before his transformation into Mr. Fantastic. The clip teased the quartet’s fateful journey into space, along with glimpses of Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) in their iconic roles. The appearance of Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic entity, in the final moments of the teaser left fans clamouring for the MCU to finally do this team justice, cementing The Fantastic Four: First Steps as one of the most anticipated films in the upcoming slate.
4. Debut Of FantastiCar
At SDCC 2024, Marvel didn’t just tease the arrival of the Fantastic Four; they brought a piece of their iconic world to life. The cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps made a grand entrance with the legendary FantastiCar, soaring through Hall H and captivating the audience. This surprise appearance, following a sneak peek of footage from the upcoming film, sent fans into a frenzy.
5. Thunderbolts* Is the MCU’s Suicide Squad, But General Thunderbolt Ross Did Not Create The Team
At SDCC 2024, Marvel Studios dropped a bombshell with their upcoming MCU film, Thunderbolts*. This motley crew of anti-heroes and reformed villains, reminiscent of DC’s Suicide Squad, promises a unique twist on the superhero team dynamic. However, the panel revealed a surprising deviation from the comics: General Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, the team’s namesake in the source material, won’t be involved in their formation.
Instead, the film will explore the team’s origins under the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, whose thirst for power and control will undoubtedly lead to explosive consequences. With a star-studded cast featuring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour, Thunderbolts* promises to be a wild ride, but the mystery surrounding the asterisk in the title and the true motivations of the team continues to leave fans eagerly awaiting its release.
6. Giancarlo Esposito Will Play Sidewinder, The Founder Of Serpent Society
Giancarlo Esposito, known for his chilling portrayals of villains in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, has finally joined the MCU in a role that few could have predicted. The SDCC 2024 panel revealed that Esposito will be stepping into the shoes of Sidewinder, the cunning mastermind behind the Serpent Society, a villainous organisation known for their snake-themed mercenaries and assassins.
This casting choice is a dream come true for fans who have long envisioned Esposito as a Marvel villain. As Sidewinder, a former HYDRA officer with a knack for manipulation and teleportation, Esposito is poised to deliver a performance that will send shivers down our spines.
7. Characters From Captain America: Brave New World, The Fantastic Four: First Steps & Thunderbolts* Will Appear In Avengers: Doomsday & Avengers: Secret Wars
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige not only dropped a bombshell about Robert Downey Jr.’s return as the iconic villain Doctor Doom, but he also revealed that many of the actors who graced the Hall H stage, including the entire Fantastic Four cast, will be joining the epic multiversal showdown in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The prospect of seeing Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby’s Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Thing, and Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch battling alongside other MCU heroes is enough to send any fan into a frenzy. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Feige’s cryptic remark, “The Fantastic Four cast and many of the other members you’ve seen today will also be appearing in the two Avengers films that we’re making,” suggests that characters from both Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World might also join the fray. While Anthony Mackie’s Captain America seems like a shoo-in, the inclusion of Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, with her rising star power and pivotal role in Thunderbolts* is a possibility that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
8. First Look At Galactus
While the identity of the primary antagonist in The Fantastic Four: First Steps remained shrouded in mystery before SDCC 2024, Marvel Studios didn’t disappoint. A brief but tantalising glimpse of footage revealed none other than Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic entity, looming over a skyscraper.
Unlike his previous lacklustre portrayal as a cosmic cloud in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, this Galactus is set to appear in all his comic book glory. This confirms the iconic villain’s presence in the film, much to the delight of Fantastic Four fans.
9. Sam Wilson Tasked By President Ross To Rebuild Avengers
Captain America: Brave New World promises to be a pivotal moment in the MCU, as revealed by the new footage showcased at SDCC 2024. In a surprising turn of events, President Thunderbolt Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, calls upon Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, to help rebuild the Avengers. This unexpected request from a former adversary marks a significant shift in the MCU’s political landscape, hinting at a greater threat that necessitates the reassembly of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
As the world faces a new danger, it seems that even the most hardened sceptics recognise the need for the Avengers to reassemble. This development sets the stage for a thrilling new chapter in the MCU, where old alliances may be forged anew and unexpected partnerships may arise in the face of impending doom.
10. Lewis Pullman Joins Thunderbolts* Cast & Hints At Sentry Role
Thunderbolts* continues to surprise, with a last-minute casting shake-up that has fans buzzing. Initially slated to introduce Steven Yeun as the Superman-esque hero Sentry, the film has now welcomed Lewis Pullman of Top Gun: Maverick fame to the fold. While his character is simply known as ‘Bob’ for now, the name aligns with Sentry’s alter ego in the comics, Robert ‘Bob’ Reynolds, fueling speculation that Pullman will indeed embody this iconic hero.
Bonus:
Harrison Ford Hulks Out!
The Captain America: Brave New World trailer revealed a thrilling twist: the appearance of Red Hulk though without a direct reference, some wondered if the movie will follow the comics, which sees Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross transform into the formidable Red Hulk.
Well, it looks like he will be as Ford made a surprise appearance and was met with rapturous applause from the SDCC 2024 audience, especially after Ford playfully roared on stage, embracing the character’s iconic Hulk-like rage.
This casting choice is surprisingly fitting, given Ford’s reputation as Hollywood’s resident curmudgeon. His career is marked by characters who share a certain disdain for the world around them, a trait perfectly aligned with the Hulk’s anger and frustration.
With so much to look forward to, the MCU is clearly poised for a new era of epic adventures and unexpected twists. As fans eagerly await the release of these films, the questions and theories sparked by SDCC 2024 will undoubtedly fuel countless discussions and debates in the months to come.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
