Seven MCU movies are currently scheduled for release in the coming years, each garnering varying levels of excitement about the franchise’s future.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s theatrical future consists of seven confirmed movies, with the level of excitement for each one differing for various reasons. The slate of upcoming MCU movies stretching from Deadpool & Wolverine to Avengers: Secret Wars has been in development for years at Marvel Studios, though various unforeseen circumstances have caused some changes to the slate. For one, the SAG-AFTRA/WGA strikes of 2023 have delayed some productions, with Deadpool & Wolverine now the only Marvel movie releasing in 2024 as part of the MCU.

Similarly, some other behind-the-scenes changes have been forced at Marvel Studios. Jonathan Majors’ court case was one such instance, with the actor being dropped from his role as Kang the Conqueror. With the release order of Marvel movies in recent years building toward Kang as an integral Multiverse Saga figure, the anticipation of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty has changed somewhat, as have the excitement levels for other Phase 5 and 6 projects. With that said, here are all seven upcoming MCU movies ranked in order of eagerness for each project.

7. Thunderbolts

Marvel’s first antihero team ranks lowest concerning excitement.

The movie that holds the unfortunate place of being least-anticipated is Thunderbolts. Announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, Thunderbolts was confirmed to introduce the titular antihero team to the MCU. While this premise is compelling, as are the team members of the MCU’s Thunderbolts, the behind-the-scenes updates have lowered the overall excitement of the project. The film has undergone several rewrites by initial writer Eric Pearson, subsequently Lee Sung Jin, and most recently Joanna Calo.

These constant rewrites raise some cause for concern, as the movie could risk being split between differing tones. Similarly, the constant rewrites of the film’s script have caused Thunderbolts’ filming to be delayed. While the film finally began shooting in February 2024, it remains the case that Thunderbolts‘ somewhat tumultuous pre-production has lowered expectations – and thus excitement – for its release.

6. Captain America: Brave New World

The initial excitement of Sam Wilson’s solo adventure has been marred by lengthy production issues.

When Captain America: Brave New World – then subtitled New World Order – was announced after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier season 1, excitement was incredibly high. Anthony Mackie’s Captain America is one of the best character developments the MCU has made since Avengers: Endgame, and anticipation was great to see Sam Wilson on the big screen in his solo adventure. However, since then, this anticipation has been somewhat soured by the various reshoots the film has undergone.

While reshoots are commonplace for production as large as Marvel Studios films, the extensive nature reported for Captain America 4‘s changes is interesting. According to reports, large sections of the film’s final act are being completely altered, with Variety reporting a new writer – Matthew Orton – was hired to guide the movie to completion. These elements, combined with the overall disappointment at Sam Wilson’s Captain America being sidelined from the MCU since 2021, cause other upcoming MCU movies to be more exciting than Captain America: Brave New World at present.

5. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty

The promise of a fifth Avengers movie has been lessened in recent years.

The release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania soured excitement in the film as the overall fan reception was divisive.

Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was announced in July 2022 from director Destin Daniel Cretton off the back of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ success. This, combined with the promise of an Avengers film centered on a conflict with Kang the Conqueror who had been adequately teased in Loki, caused the film to skyrocket to the top of most-anticipated lists across the globe. That said, the film has since had some less-than-inspiring updates that cause it to fall below some of the other upcoming MCU films.

For one, the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania soured excitement in the film as the overall fan reception was divisive. Ant-Man 3 was written by Jeff Loveness, who was also attached to write The Kang Dynasty at the time. The overall poor reception of the former saw Loveness removed in favor of Michael Waldron as writer. Destin Daniel Cretton then departed the project, only further lowering excitement for Avengers 5.

If this was not enough, the problems surrounding Jonathan Majors saw him fired as Kang the Conqeuror, throwing Avengers 5 into further doubt. Unconfirmed reports then surfaced (via THR) which claimed Marvel Studios was internally referring to the film as Avengers 5, without the Kang Dynasty subtitle. With the future of the Multiverse Saga unclear regarding Avengers 5 and the villain who will face off against the titular team, much of the initial excitement surrounding the project has dwindled in recent years.

Despite this, the excitement of an Avengers film for the first time since 2019 allows The Kang Dynasty to rank above Thunderbolts and Captain America 4.

4. Blade

The Daywalker’s MCU debut still holds a wealth of excitement despite frustratingly common Marvel production problems.

Undoubtedly one of the more exciting announcements in the MCU in recent years was the confirmation that Mahershala Ali will star in Blade. If having a two-time Academy Award-winning actor like Ali in the role was not enough to garner anticipation, the prospect of Blade reboot in the MCU alone is enough to rank the film high regarding excitement. Despite Blade suffering from similar script rewrites, shooting delays, and worrying creative differences that caused a change in director, the aforementioned involvement of Ali and the character’s illustrious Marvel Comics history make Blade the fourth most exciting upcoming MCU film.

3. Avengers: Secret Wars

The sixth Avengers movie has less outside noise than its predecessor, making it a highly exciting project.

Not only was Avengers: The Kang Dynasty announced in July 2022, but so too was its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. The film was revealed to be based on the comic book run of the same name, one of the more popular stories in Marvel Comics history. This alone caused many to voice their excitement for Avengers: Secret Wars, from the prospect of Doctor Doom playing a role in the MCU adaptation to how it would culminate the Multiverse Saga alongside The Kang Dynasty.

Little has been announced to increase or decrease the anticipation surrounding the film, meaning the already high bar set by an MCU adaptation of Secret Wars remains the standard for excitement for the project.

Despite Avengers 5 suffering several issues that have caused anticipation to deteriorate, Avengers: Secret Wars has been largely unaffected. One of the few updates given about the film was that Michael Waldron would write the script, something that remains intact. Aside from that, little has been announced to increase or decrease the anticipation surrounding the film, meaning the already high bar set by an MCU adaptation of Secret Wars remains the standard regarding excitement for the project.

2. The Fantastic Four

Marvel’s “First Family” is easily one of the more anticipated superhero projects of the last decade.

As early as 2019, an MCU Fantastic Four movie has been in development. With three divisive Fantastic Four films made in the past, many have longed for Marvel’s “First Family” to be adapted with care on the big screen. This hope has since exploded into excitement due to the many updates surrounding the now-titled The Fantastic Four. Matt Shakman is set to direct the film after crafting what remains one of the best-ranked MCU TV shows: WandaVision.

This excitement was only bolstered when Marvel Studios announced the brilliant cast for The Fantastic Four. Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic will be played by Pedro Pascal, while Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman will be portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. Rounding out the quartet are Joseph Quin and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch and Ben Grim/The Thing respectively. This cast is stacked with incredibly talented actors, and the announcement gave hints that The Fantastic Four will be versed in a 1960s aesthetic. This all combines to make the project the second most anticipated upcoming MCU film.

1. Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool’s MCU debut remains the most anticipated upcoming MCU movie.

Despite the various levels of excitement for other upcoming MCU films, Deadpool & Wolverine has long remained at the top of the list as the most anticipated. As soon as it was announced that Deadpool 3 would see the titular mutant transition into the MCU, hype only began to grow surrounding the project. Combined with the confirmation that Deadpool 3 would be R-rated and that Shawn Levy would direct the film, excitement began to spiral until the announcement of Wolverine’s involvement saw it grow uncontrollably higher.

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine has long been lauded as one of the best superhero casting choices in history, making his return all the more compelling. From the implications of what mutants in the MCU can bring to the franchise to the fantastic first Deadpool 3 trailer, the film remains not only the most anticipated MCU movie of the coming years but also the most anticipated superhero movie in 2024. With the movie set to usher in a story arc that will build toward the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s two upcoming Avengers films, Deadpool & Wolverine is the gold standard regarding fan excitement.