Phase 6 hasn’t even finished, and Marvel is already building the next era. The first sequel on the Phase 7 calendar isn’t a blockbuster Avengers movie. It’s a Disney+ zombie special.
Here’s what was announced, plus every other Phase 7 project to watch. For more superhero updates, see our Marvel and Hollywood news.
Marvel’s Big Announcement
At New York Comic-Con 2026, Marvel Television’s Brad Winderbaum announced three new two-part Marvel Zombies specials. The second is Marvel Zombies: The Fist of Khonshu, arriving on Disney+ on Halloween 2028.
The special follows 2027’s Marvel Zombies: The Winter Soldier and the original 2025 Marvel Zombies series. That undead corner of the multiverse first appeared in What If…? back in 2021.
Here’s the hook. In season one, Blade Knight took on Khonshu’s power, but that version of the character died by the end. The Direct suggests the new special could be less multiversal and may feature a version of Marc Spector. That’s speculation, not confirmation.
Marvel Phase 7 : Overview
| Project | Type | Date | Key detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Zombies: The Fist of Khonshu | Disney+ special | Halloween 2028 | First official Phase 7 sequel |
| X-Men | Film | May 5, 2028 | Directed by Jake Schreier |
| Ghost Rider | Film | July 28, 2028 | Ryan Gosling, directed by Shawn Levy |
| Black Panther III | Film | 2028 | Ryan Coogler returns |
| Zodiac | Disney+ series | 2028 | New spy thriller |
| Nova | Film | Possibly 2029-2030 | Michael Waldron in early development |
| Deadpool 4 / X-Force | Film | Unconfirmed | Not officially announced |
| Luke Cage / Iron Fist | Rumored project | Unconfirmed | Possible Heroes for Hire |
Phase 7 has four live-action projects debuting in 2028, so the next few years are busy. For background on the franchise, see the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Wikipedia.
Every Phase 7 Project, Explained
1. Marvel Zombies: The Fist of Khonshu
The star of today’s news. It lands about six weeks before Black Panther III, so Marvel clearly wants a spooky-season event. Expect more zombie chaos and, possibly, a fresh take on the moon god’s champion.
2. X-Men (May 5, 2028)
This is Marvel Studios’ first film after Avengers: Secret Wars, and its first shot at mutants without any Fox-universe baggage. Jake Schreier’s reboot brings a fresh roster. Its biggest link to Phase 6 is Jean Grey (Sadie Sink), introduced in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. There, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) may have accidentally built something dangerous for mutants, with Bill Metzger (Tramell Tillman) on the loose. That makes the film a loose sequel to Brand New Day. Sink is also reportedly in Secret Wars.
3. Ghost Rider (July 28, 2028)
This is the wild card. Ryan Gosling rides into theaters under director Shawn Levy, with no obvious MCU predecessor. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Robbie Reyes (Gabriel Luna) is the closest comparison, but The Direct expects no connection. The more interesting thread is Mephisto, introduced in Ironheart and played by Sacha Baron Cohen. In the comics, Johnny Blaze becomes Ghost Rider through a deal with that very devil.
4. Black Panther III (2028)
The most straightforward sequel on the list. Ryan Coogler returns as director, alongside Letitia Wright (Shuri) and Winston Duke (M’Baku). It also introduces Prince T’Challa II (David Jonsson), the son of T’Challa, who appeared as a boy at the end of Wakanda Forever. Shuri and M’Baku suit up as Black Panther in Avengers: Doomsday, so the fallout from that film and Secret Wars will feed directly into this one.
5. Zodiac (2028)
A newly announced Disney+ spy thriller. It isn’t a sequel, but its logo mirrors the classic S.H.I.E.L.D. insignia in a way that doesn’t look accidental. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ended in 2020 after seven seasons, and The Direct thinks a link is possible, though nothing is confirmed.
6. Nova (possibly 2029-2030)
Marvel’s long-awaited space adventure. After a reportedly scrapped Disney+ series, Loki writer Michael Waldron is in early development on a film and may direct. Its clearest predecessor is 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, which introduced the Nova Corps. Thanos later wiped out Xandar offscreen, so the Corps could use a comeback.
7. Deadpool 4 / X-Force (unconfirmed)
Deadpool & Wolverine earned over $1.3 billion in 2024, a record for an R-rated film at the time, so a follow-up is easy to imagine. Ryan Reynolds isn’t officially confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, but an official shirt reportedly hints at his involvement. Reynolds is also rumored to want Cable (Josh Brolin) back, which could revive X-Force. Rob Liefeld supports the idea.
8. Luke Cage and Iron Fist (rumored)
A Heroes for Hire project could pair Mike Colter and Finn Jones. Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 may be setting the stage. Any team-up would also build on their Netflix shows and 2017’s The Defenders.
Conclusion
Marvel is playing a long game. A zombie special as the first Phase 7 sequel feels like a clever signal that the studio is happy to mix big theatrical events with smaller, stranger Disney+ stories. The 2028 slate looks varied, from mutants and a Wakanda sequel to a spy thriller. The key question is how Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars reshape everything first.
FAQs
Q1. What is the first sequel in MCU Phase 7?
It’s Marvel Zombies: The Fist of Khonshu, arriving on Disney+ on Halloween 2028.
Q2. When does the first Phase 7 movie release?
Per The Direct, X-Men is the first film, scheduled for May 5, 2028.
