Warning: This post contains spoiler details for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Phase Six of the MCU has officially begun with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, now playing in theaters. We also have exciting updates on Marvel’s Blade reboot, Ghost Rider casting, and Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom following Avengers: Secret Wars.
According to insider Daniel Richtman, in a post on his Patreon, the Blade movie starring Mahershala Ali will reportedly begin filming in 2026. The script is currently in development. As previously reported, production on Blade is on hold but not canceled, as Marvel President Kevin Feige and Ali have yet to finalize the script.
Disney has not officially announced a release date, but three untitled Marvel movies are scheduled for February 18, May 5, and November 10, 2028 — one of which could be Blade.
Marvel Studios has reportedly cast an actor to play Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider in the MCU, but the actor’s identity has not yet been revealed.
Our source has confirmed that a special presentation featuring a character from the mystical/dark side of the Marvel Universe is currently in production. It is set to be released during this saga. The special will reportedly introduce a key character for Doctor Strange 3 — possibly Mephisto, Doctor Voodoo, or Ghost Rider, as all are rumored to appear in the film.
The supernatural side of the next MCU saga will reportedly be “very dark, very demonic, and something out of a Guillermo del Toro fever dream.”
Will Robert Downey Jr. Return as Doctor Doom in the MCU’s Next Saga?
Marvel is in discussions about whether Downey Jr. will continue to play the role of Doctor Doom after Avengers: Secret Wars.
Currently, the MCU’s plans for the next saga post-Secret Wars focus on cosmic, mutant, and supernatural themes. The side stories will serve as a foundation for introducing new characters and key elements for other productions, while the major events will revolve around these three central themes.
Production for Avengers: Doomsday is underway, and in the recently released The Fantastic Four: First Steps post‑credits scene, Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom is seen interacting with Franklin Richards. It has also been confirmed that Doctor Doom is from the same universe as the Fantastic Four of Earth‑828.
In Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU begins the beginning of the end. As the multiverse nears total collapse, the Avengers assemble to face their greatest challenge yet—incursions, catastrophic collisions between realities that could destroy the entire multiverse. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes must race against time to save their reality while confronting the powerful figure behind it all—Victor Von Doom (Downey Jr.).
Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters in the United States and IMAX on December 18, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars will be released on December 17, 2027.
Source: Daniel Richtman
