July 2025 is likely to become one of the biggest single months in superhero cinema. MCU and DCU fans are the same. Although both franchises have been around for more than a decade, Marvel and DC movies are set to experience brand new chapters next year. After all, both Marvel Studios and DC Studios are introducing significant new projects that will both have big implications for the future: Superman & Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The MCU first started in 2008 Iron man. Now, 16 years later, it consists of 34 films and 12 television projects. The DCEU first started in 2013 Man of SteelWith 16 films and 1 television series, it was eventually cancelled. For this purpose, In July 2025, both Marvel and DC will launch major reboots, making it one of the biggest and most exciting months for superhero fans.
Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps Both Release in July
July 11 and July 25
As announced by both studios, DC Studios Superman and Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps both are due out in July 2025. Coming from the new head of DC Studios, James Gunn, Superman Rather than continuing the previous DC Extended Universe that started with Zack Snyder's film, it will be the first film in the new DCU, which will be an entire rebooted universe of interconnected stories. Man of Steel. Starring David Korenswet as the titular Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicolas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and more. Superman It is scheduled to be released on July 11, 2025.
In addition, Fantastic Four: First steps It will currently be released in just two weeks, on July 25th. Starring Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as The Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, Fantastic Four for the first step, there will be a rebooted version of the team that will be part of the larger MCU. They are expected to play a big role in future projects as well Avengers: Judgment Day and Secret Wars.
Some may argue that either Marvel or DC Studios may need to choose a new release date. After all, creating more distance between their two reboots could help boost attendance and box office returns for each. However, it could also be argued that keeping both releases in July could work to both films' advantage, especially if Marvel and DC are confident in the quality of their films.
The MCU and DCU have a rare opportunity to bring fandoms together
Uniting for new chapters in superhero cinema
Having two such important superhero movies released so close together can certainly work to both studios' advantage.. First, both projects will be different enough that audiences will be interested in seeing both. In the case of Gunn Superman will introduce a new Kal-El dealing with the greater world, as well as his Kryptonian heritage, Matt Shakman. Fantastic Four It will feature a new version of the Fantastic Four who live in a retro-futuristic reality unlike the main Earth-616.
Likewise, no film exists in a vacuum as a single venture. Superhero movie fans will have reasons (beyond the movies themselves) to see both projects.. Superman It kicks off a whole new universe that will appeal not only to existing DC fans, but also to new audiences who don't like the old universe and are interested in seeing something new. Likewise, Fantastic Four it looks very unique next to other MCU projects, but it's also a new take on the iconic team of heroes that was originally a family and will likely be part of the MCU's future.
July's 'Super/Fantastic Moon' Could Be Bigger Than 2023's 'Barbenheimer'
Promotional Opportunities Are Very Exciting
Considering all this, one could easily see the upcoming July releases Superman and Fantastic Four becomes a cinematic phenomenon, no different Oppenheimer and Barbie both released on the same day (July 21, 2023). Both films took full advantage of their dates, with several audiences creating their own double-feature experiences that day and seeing both films. Colloquially known as “Barbenheimer,” the double release was a huge moment in pop culture history.
Perhaps Marvel and DC Studios could try to promote both films in a similar way, encouraging audiences to see both films during Super/Fantastic Month. It would certainly be interesting and unique to see the cast of both films promote their respective films together, supporting both universes at the same time, effectively pushing back on ideas of fandom rivalry. It's also worth noting that this will be one of the first times a DC film has been released so close to one of James Gunn's Kevin Feige's MCU projects. If anyone could bring DC and Marvel together, it would be them.
Don't forget about San Diego Comic-Con
DC's Future Plans and Avengers 5
Putting all the hype and hype that can be built around it Superman and Fantastic Four besides, July is also when San Diego Comic-Con takes place (same dates Fantastic Four opening weekend). So, Marvel Studios will surely take the opportunity to celebrate the film's release (this year as well Deadpool and Wolverine). However, it is conceivable that they will introduce new revelations and even personnel for 2026. Avengers: Judgment Day Robert Downey Jr. will star as Doctor Doom (announced at this year's SDCC).
DC has historically been more hit or miss in terms of their presence at SDCC, though one can imagine they want to be big in San Diego as well. Superman's July issue. They will probably try to create excitement and reveal first looks for their next movies and shows Supergirl Upcoming, starring Millie Alcock Lanterns series or Authority. Either way, July is shaping up to be one of the biggest superhero movie months ever for both the MCU and DCU.
Upcoming MCU Movies