The much-anticipated panel of Marvel Cinematic Universe at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 brought in some major surprises for fans that would leave them excited (and even confused about the matter). Marvel chief Kevin Feige took the stage to show a roadmap of where we can see Marvel in the next couple of years, with important announcements about their upcoming films like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, and yes, Avengers 5 and Avengers: Secret Wars. SDCC 2024: The Russo Brothers To Helm ‘Avengers–Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers–Secret Wars’; Official Logos of Upcoming Marvel Films Unveiled.

What's more, a director duo is returning to the MCU fold to direct their biggest films after making Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The biggest surprise is, however, the return of Robert Downey Jr back to Marvel after ending his reign as Tony Stark/Iron Man with Endgame in 2019. He is, however, taking on a new role that would be a major game-changer for the MCU.

So, without further ado, here are some of the major updates revealed by Kevin Feige and his Marvel team at SDCC 2024:

Captain America: Brave New World

1. Feige says Captain America: Brave New World would have the grounded vibes of the 2014 film Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which interestingly marks the debut of Antony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka Falcon in the MCU.

Watch the Trailer of 'Captain America: Brave New World':

2. Tim Blake Nelson, who is reprising his role of Samuel Sterns aka The Leader from the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, would be having a 'bulging' head, as teased by the panel.

3. Danny Ramirez is confirmed to be the new Falcon to Mackie's Captain America.

4. Giancarlo Esposito's mystery character name is revealed - he is playing Sidewinder, head of the Serpent Society.

5. Harrison Ford confirms on stage that his character Thaddeus Ross would be turning on as Red Hulk.

6. An extended clip from the film brings Adamantium (the metal used to make Wolverine's bones) into the MCU, as the dead Celestial Tiamut is made of it. Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph is tasked with tracking Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) after latter attempts to kill President Ross.

Thunderbolts*

1. Kevin Feige doesn't reveal why there is an asterisk in the title. He, however, said that the team is not named after Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross.

2. Sebastian Stan calls co-star Florence Pugh's Yelena a 'standout' in the film.

3. An exclusive trailer is revealed for the SDCC attendees. The trailer shows a black ops team sent to extract an entity called 'Bob' that ends up being a trap for US Agent (Wyatt Russell), Yelena and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). Ghost has a new costume. Yelena is shown visiting her foster father, Red Guardian (David Harbour). Bucky (Sebastian Stan), the former Winter Soldier, is seen washing his artificial arm in a dishwasher.

4. Lewis Pullman's character is simply called 'Bob', and not 'The Sentry', the powerful comicbook character fans are expecting him to play.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

1. Fantastic Four movie gets a tagline - it is now called The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Matt Shakman has already been revealed as the director, with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm in the lead.

2. The look of their vehicle - Fantasticar - is revealed through a 'flying' model at the event.

3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in the '60s, with pre-shoot material shown at the event showing Reed Richards with an old-school accent. Their space journey, which later gives them their powers, is also teased.

4. A glimpse of Galactus is shown in the reel.

Avengers 5 and 6

1. Anthony and Joe Russo are returning to direct the upcoming two Avengers films.

2. Avengers 5 gets a new title. It is no longer Kang Dynasty (bye-bye Jonathan Majors); it is now Avengers: Doomsday. Avengers 6 doesn't change its title from Avengers: Secret Wars.

3. Avengers: Doomsday will release on May 1, 2026. and Avengers: Secret Wars is scheduled to be released on May 7, 2027.

4. The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers movies.

5. The biggest shocker was Robert Downey Jr returning to Marvel, however, in a different role. He is going to play Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom, introduced by Avengers: Doomsday, who in the comics is the Fantastic Four's biggest enemy and also a frequent Avengers villain. He came on stage wearing a mask and when that was taken off, the fans let out a shocked gasp that led to claps and cheers.

These are the major announcements made at SDCC 2024 by Marvel, which is presently on a high because of the thunderous audience response to its first R-rated movie, Deadpool & Wolverine. However, it is not yet confirmed if Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman will be returning in any of the above films.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2024 08:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).