SDCC 2024 Marvel Studios Hall H Panel: Downey Returns as DOOM

(The liveblog has ended — we will add any relevant video as it goes online.)

This was it. The one we’ve been waiting for through sickness and strikes. It was once again time for Comic-Con’s version of your main event. What sorcery would Kevin Feige have for us this time, besides perhaps a Deadpool & Wolverine victory lap (which happened Thursday)?

As that cinematic duo would say, LFG!

Aaand…nothing happening just yet.

Beginning with the Deadpool & Wolverine Marvel Studios logo, then a choir in red and yellow come out singing “Like a Prayer.” Various wacky Deadpool cosplayers dance in the aisles.

We have a Furry Deadpool, Bob Ross Deadpool, Dino-pool…the number winds down, and now Kevin Feige is here. Asks if there’s a Peterpool, and Rob Delaney comes out and shakes his hand. Feige touts the movie as the largest R-rated opening of all time.

We’re going to talk about three movies: first, Captain America: Brave New World.

Welcome Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez, Giancarlo Esposito, Anthony Mackie.

Mackie jokes that Tom Holland once said he didn’t have a Falcon movie. Now he does, but Tom Holland is still five-foot eleven.

Feige says this movie is a return to the grounded level of The Winter Soldier. Mackie says Sam is surrounded by a good group of characters who help him — he’s more of a cerebral character, sans super-serum.

Nelson says he can’t say much about the Leader. Feige says he proves no little tag is left behind. Ramirez says he feels at home in the skies as the new Falcon — makes fun of Mackie by saying he thought the wings came with knee braces because they’re so old.

Esposito is playing Sidewinder, of the Serpent Society.

We’re going to see a scene:

President Ross making a presentation about the giant Celestial, and how they’ve discovered a new element: adamantium! Now he wants Sam to re-form the Avengers. Sam is skeptical, natch.

New trailer follows. More aerial action, Sam and Ross find themselves at odds again. Falcon and Sam flying, and finally Ross hulking out into Red Hulk!

Harrison Ford comes out, says he would have grown a mustache if they’d asked. Says he’s proud to join the Marvel universe, and building on the work done by Bill (Hurt). He wanted a piece of the action, seeing so many fine actors in Marvel movies.

That’s in February. now it’s time to talk Thunderbolts*, coming in May.

Here comes director Jake Schreier, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Visnawathan, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Rusell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan…and David Harbour in full costume, now with gold highlights. “Oh my God, you guys didn’t dress up? Guys! I sent that email!” He mock-cries, blames everyone for perceived slights, Stan Laurel style.

They won’t reveal what the asterisk means when asked. Feige says the name of the team is similar to Thunderbolt Ross because comics have a long history and sometimes names are similar. Ross is not in the movie…or so he says now.

John-Kamen says it’s good to be back, and where they find her is going to be interesting. JLD says Valentina is after power, control, and just generally wants to kick ass. Russell says “Everyone is gonna f**kin’ love me!” Stan says playing Bucky is like having nine lives — “How many are left?” Recalls how he was initially terrified on his first Marvel film, calming himself with the thought that the mask meant he wouldn’t have to speak.

Harbour discusses the relationship with Pugh’s character, that he’s a narcissist who’s never there for anyone, and she’s really good at killing people, which isn’t the best dynamic.

Pugh introduces some footage by praising the stunt team.

It’s framed with Yelena showing up on Red Guardian’s doorstep, talking about an emptiness inside. Parallels with other fallen heroes who’ve done bad things. They end up in a facility together fighting each other, then get trapped, with heat lamps amping up. They’re brought together by Valentina, who looks like she now owns Avengers Tower. Not clear who the villain is, but we see Yelena jumping off a tower, and the team in a car driving through the desert, as Red Guardian talks too much. Lots of action with faceless baddies — Taskmaster now has a white mask that’s more skull shaped.

Matt Shakman comes out to talk Fantastic Four. Retro-future New York will have Syd Mead influence. Not shooting yet, but he put together a little pre-shoot thing to show.

Official movie title “The Fantastic 4: First Steps”

Just announced in Hall H:  Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps begins production on Tuesday. Only in theaters July 25, 2025. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/iPAlXlajnr

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024

Faux-aged footage shows Reed teaching a cheesy science TV show — says he can prove multiple dimensions and realities…but who wants to see a big explosion? Lots of the astronauts preparing, in blue and white spacesuits. old NASA footage mixed with a ’60s style chrome rocket with three jets. Some banter about Johnny being single. Silhouette of the Thing on a dating show. Ends with giant comic-style Galactus peeking in a window. Looks like Pedro Pascal keeps his mustache.

The cast comes out. Quinn says they are all collectively try to bring a real feeling of family to the film. Kirby says they laugh a lot on set. They quickly excuse themselves to go back and get to the UK shoot.

Fantasticar reveal! It’s here! Looks like a retro car but with no wheels. It flies across the stage.

Feige mentions Avengers…

Russo bros confirmed to direct with a sizzle reel of their past Marvel moments. They come out to a big “Russo!” chant. They say they really believed they were done after Endgame, and left them creatively spent. Through a very special story they’ve found a way to come back, the story that made them fall in love with comics: Secret Wars. But first there has to be another story — there’s one very important character who is required to do it justice.

Just announced in Hall H:  The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Only in theaters May 2026. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/oqnSwWKnYn

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY first.

Doctor Doom is played by “the greatest actor in the world”… Robert Downey Jr.!

He’s here: “New mask, same task…What can I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters!”

Doomsday is coming in two years. Then Secret Wars.

Panel closes out with “Bye Bye Bye.”

End liveblog — video will be added as soon as any goes online.