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San Diego Comic-Con is over for another year – and the world’s largest multi-entertainment event certainly made a big announcement.
It’s no surprise that Marvel showed off some memorable moments during its panel in Hall H this past Saturday (July 27), but the weekend also saw plenty of other big reveals, including new information about the series’ return. Star Trek programs on Paramount Plus and some notable Prime Video TV programming updates.
While there were plenty of announcements at Comic-Con 2024, there are nine that I’m most excited for. So, without further ado, here they are.
1. Avengers 5 Has a New Title – and Robert Downey Jr. Is Playing the Multiverse Saga’s New Villain
“New mask, same job.” Robert Downey Jr. surprises Hall H by announcing his return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/j1SEjzse3pJuly 28, 2024
It was inevitable that Marvel would make some big news during the Hall H panel, especially surrounding the next two Avengers films. Marvel fired Kang the Conqueror actor Jonathan Majors in December 2023 and reportedly changed his name Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and by completely dropping the multiverse-spanning villain, big things were expected.
None of us thought for a minute that the comic book giant would throw this at us. At the end of another exciting panel, Marvel not only announced that Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (also known as Avengers 5) was now called Avengers: Doomsdaybut that it finally brought Doctor Doom – perhaps its most famous villain – to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
And if that wasn’t enough, it was also revealed who would be playing Doom: none other than Robert Downey Jr., who played the MCU’s Iron Man from 2008 to 2019. The audience in Hall H cheered with delight and many “wait, what?” and “how does that work?” questions were asked by fellow fans around the world (myself included) when he was revealed.
2. The Russo Brothers to Direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars
Just announced in Hall H: The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. In theaters only May 2026. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/oqnSwWKnYnJuly 28, 2024
Obviously, Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU was the biggest talking point during Marvel’s presentation, but there was another major announcement regarding the next two Avengers films.
In mid-July, I reported on the rumors that Joe and Anthony Russo, who have directed four MCU films including Avengers: Infinity War And Avengers: Endgamewere lined up to make a shock return and immediately Avengers 5 and 6. Well, the rumors were true: the Russo brothers took the stage in Hall H to confirm that they will be directing the MCU’s next two ensemble films.
A press release from the duo’s AGBO production company (per Reddit) also revealed that longtime collaborator Christopher McFeely, who wrote the brothers’ previous Marvel films, will pen the scripts for the next Avengers films. McFeely replaces previously installed writer Michael Waldron, whose previous credits include Loki And Doctor Strange 2. Of Avengers 5 Filming is rumored to begin in January 2025, but brothers Russo and McFeely will have to get to work right away.
Just announced in Hall H: Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps begins production on Tuesday. In theaters only July 25, 2025. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/iPAlXlajnrJuly 28, 2024
In any other given year, the latest news is around The Fantastic FourWhat will mark the debut of Marvel’s ‘First Family’ in the MCU was reportedly the headline news during the studio’s presentation in Hall H. However, it was somewhat overshadowed by the return of Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers.
Still, some fascinating new details have emerged about Marvel’s new Fantastic Four film. For starters, the new title – The Fantastic Four: First Steps – chronicles the group’s space travels and long-awaited arrival in the MCU. There won’t be a new origin story after this; director Matt Shakman explains that the superteam’s latest big-screen adventure, which will be set in a retro-futuristic time period, will be well-established in their alternate universe when we meet them. A two-minute sizzle reel consisting of pre-viz footage, a few short live-action scenes, and a first glimpse of the terrifying cosmic villain Galactus was then shown exclusively to those in attendance.
Finally, contrary to rumors, the iconic quartet will be part of the next two Avengers films. Given the group’s active role in the two Secret Wars comic book storylines, plus their decades-long affiliation with Doctor Doom in the source material, this revelation was music to my ears.
4. Invincible season 4 in the works at Amazon Studios
Good news, MORE is coming [slam to Invincible title card] photo.twitter.com/E6fY3qvfADJuly 26, 2024
Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced that it is divesting from Marvel, but will remain in the superhero world. Invincible is getting a fourth season. The revelation comes more than 18 months after Amazon exclusively told TechRadar that it had not secretly greenlit Invincible season 4 after executive producer Seth Rogen indicated it was already in development.
That wasn’t the only thing Invincible tease we received, mind you. At a Prime Video animation panel, InvincibleCo-creator Robert Kirkman also revealed an image of Mark Grayson’s new blue and black suit (comic book fans will already be familiar with it), which is set to debut in 2019 Invincible season 3. Speaking with GamesRadar Later at Comic-Con, Kirkman also suggested that Season 3, unlike its predecessor, might not be split into two parts, as fans did not respond positively to that plan.
5. The Rings of Power season 2 gets a monstrously awesome trailer ahead of its Prime Video debut
Not to be outdone by one of its Amazon cousins (and fellow member of our list of best Prime Video shows), The Rings of Power released an epic three-minute trailer for season two, which premieres on August 29.
And when I saw The Rings of Power The official season 2 trailer is epic, I mean it. Indeed, as much as I liked it The Rings of Power season 1, the sequel seems like The Lord of the Rings prequel series that was promised to us a few years ago. Check out the trailer above to see what I mean, then read my The Rings of Power Watch the official Season 2 trailer to learn more about the secrets hidden within.
6. The Boys is getting a new spin-off, starring Soldier Boy and Stormfront
Meet the next deranged entry in the world of The Boys: VOUGHT RISING, starring Jensen Ackles and Aya Cash. Set in the 1950s, the story explores the early adventures of Soldier Boy and a supe you know as Stormfront. The only advice for now is to keep your hands off the fucking shield. pic.twitter.com/Ss9lqnnbP3July 26, 2024
As one of Prime Video’s flagship TV originals, it should come as no surprise that The boys the universe will continue as soon as The boys season 5 wraps up the story of the main series (NB: read my The boys explanation of the ending of season 4 to see what storylines need to be addressed before the series ends).
We already know that Generation V, The boys‘ first live-action spin-off, will get a second season, which is confirmed to debut sometime in 2025. And during The boys spoilers for season 4 Comic-Con 2024 panel, franchise creator Eric Kripke announced that there will be another live-action spin-off – a prequel titled Vought Rise – was also in early stages of development. Set in the 1950s, it chronicles the rise of Vought International, the company behind the creation of Compound V, and serves as an origin story for Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) and Stormfront (Aya Cash), two of the world’s first Supes.
7. The Penguin gets a brutal and exciting new trailer – and an official Max release date
Of The penguin Slated to debut in September, it’s high time we heard an official release date. Thankfully, HBO has finally confirmed when it’ll be waddling over to Max (US) and Sky/Now TV (UK): September 19, putting it in direct opposition to Marvel’s Agatha Always Alreadywhich launches the same day on Disney Plus.
To celebrate The penguin‘s official launch date, HBO gave us yet another action-packed and melodramatic trailer to sit through, dropping even more hints about the impending gang war that will erupt in the aftermath of The Batsman‘s end. Oh, and The Batsman‘s director Matt Reeves also confirmed (as reported by IGN) that Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb, aka The Penguin, will appear in The Batman Part 2. Thanks to everyone.
It feels like we’ve been waiting for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Cinematic Universe (DCU) to begin, but it will officially happen before the end of 2024. That’s because the first project from the rebooted DC Studios – Being Commands – will debut on Max in December.
That announcement came at the end of the first teaser for the R-rated animated series, which Gunn revealed when he surprisingly crashed a DC panel at Comic-Con. So far, things are looking pretty good, and while I suspect many people won’t consider the DCU up and running until Gunn’s Superman movie is set to hit theaters in July 2025, it will take a brave person to bet against Gunn, who gives us yet another fun project full of wacky, D-list superpowered individuals to get behind. While we wait for Being Commands‘ launch, you’ll learn everything you need to know about every DCU Chapter One film and TV series in development.
9. Season 2 of the acclaimed Apple TV Plus sci-fi series Silo launches in November
“In case of a failed cleanup, prepare for war.” — The OrderSilo Season 2 debuts November 15 on Apple TV+ #JulietteLives #Silo pic.twitter.com/uDqxqAM5veJuly 27, 2024
In a surprise move, many of the world’s top streaming services weren’t prominently present at Comic-Con 2024. In fact, Netflix wasn’t involved at all, while Marvel and Lucasfilm kept their Disney Plus powder dry, with the duo delaying major MCU and Star Wars reveals until August’s D23 Expo.
Aside from Prime Video and Max, Apple TV Plus was the only other streamer to make a major announcement. SiloOne of Apple’s many critically acclaimed sci-fi series, The Last Airbender, is returning to the tech giant’s streaming platform for a second season on November 15. No trailer was released alongside the announcement, so it’s unclear how much time has passed between the end of season 1 and the start of the sequel. Either way, we won’t have much longer to wait to find out.
For more streaming-related information, check out our guide to the best Netflix movies, best Disney Plus shows, best Hulu shows, and best Paramount Plus movies.
