We previously saw some expected release dates for Marvel Studios’ upcoming line of superhero movies, but thanks to some reveals at New York Comic-Con this weekend (which actually started yesterday), we now know some of those dates are changing a bit, and we also have news about an ANT-MAN sequel with a rather specific title.
Let’s start with the ANT-MAN news. Peyton Reed’s film was somewhat of a surprise hit this year – we say “surprise” as the production was a little troubled from the start, switching directors and facing repeat delays. There are some who expected it could be Marvel’s first cinematic flop under their Marvel Studios banner… thankfully that was not the case. In fact ANT-MAN brought in over $409 million worldwide, a pretty impressive take for the summer box office. Needless to say a sequel is inevitable, and now we have the title – ANT-MAN AND THE WASP. This directly plays off the set up at the end of the first movie, where Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) is shown a prototype Wasp costume by her father Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), based on the designs of his ill-fated wife’s costume, who was the original Wasp. In the comic books, Wasp is a classic character, dating back to the very first Avengers comic. So with that title, we can assume this next film will definitely have the Wasp in action alongside Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd). We’d also expect this means Rudd and Lilly will both be back, though no word yet on Douglas possibly returning as well. Marvel Studios also noted this will be the first movie under their banner named after a female superhero – perhaps a response to some of the online criticism that the studio isn’t making ‘female’ superhero films. The release date for the sequel is set to be July 6, 2018… but what does that date announcement mean for the previously announced Marvel movie schedule?
The previous Marvel movie release schedule for the next few years.
Originally there was no ANT-MAN sequel in the upcoming movie schedule, meaning now things are going to be shuffled a bit. There was already a bit of alteration thanks to the recent agreement with Sony to incorporate Spider-Man in the Marvel movie universe, which meant THOR: RAGNAROK, BLACK PANTHER, CAPTAIN MARVEL and INHUMANS got pushed on the schedule. ANT-MAN AND THE WASP takes the previous BLACK PANTHER date, moving it to February 16, 2018 – Chadwick Boseman (GET ON UP) has been signed on for the lead, and rumors are swirling that F. Gary Gray (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON) is being eyed to direct.
CAPTAIN MARVEL, which still has yet to be cast, is moving from its original release date of November 2, 2018 to March 8, 2019… which gives them more time to find a star. DOCTOR STRANGE is still scheduled for November 4, 2016 – GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 is still set for May 5, 2017 – An untitled SPIDER-MAN reboot is on the books for July 28, 2017 – THOR: RAGNAROK is set for November 3, 2017 – AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Part I hits May 4, 2018, with Part II hitting May 3, 2019 – Lastly we can watch for INHUMANS on July 12, 2019. Up next from Marvel in theaters is CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR on May 6, 2016.
Also part of the announcements were three additional dates for 2020, though no title reveals for those dates just yet. It’s said that May 1, July 10, and November 6, 2020 will all be release dates for Phase 4 films. Wow. That’s a lot of Marvel movies for the next five years, three in 2020 alone! Are you excited about these? Got any thoughts on what the 2020 dates could be for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
