The Marvel cinematic Universe is expanding its multiverse with the introduction of Earth-828 in “Fantastic four: first steps,” a world paying homage to co-creator Jack Kirby. This retrofuturistic setting, a distinct corner of the Marvel multiverse, was visited by the Fantastic Four’s spacecraft, the Excelsior, as seen in the post-credits scene of “Thunderbolts*.” This event places Earth-616, the primary MCU reality, in direct contact with Earth-828, echoing Samuel sterns’ warning in “Captain America: Brave New World” about the encroaching multiverse.
The original plans for the “Fantastic Four” post-credits scene reportedly involved Kang the Conqueror, a character with familial ties to Franklin Richards in the comics. The shift away from Kang as the central antagonist for the franchise followed actor Jonathan Majors’ 2023 conviction. the second post-credits scene for “Fantastic Four: First Steps” serves as a lighthearted nod to the team’s animated history.
Looking ahead, “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, is poised to be a major MCU crossover event. The film will feature a star-studded cast including Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Paul Rudd (scott Lang/Ant-Man), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Lewis Pullman (Bob reynolds), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), and Hannah john-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost). The Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts/New Avengers, and other characters are expected to participate.
The next MCU release will be the Disney+ series “Wonder Man,” starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, premiering in December. Following this, Marvel and sony’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is slated for a July 2026 release, marking the next Phase 6 film.
