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The Sunday Post: Waiting Game
Greg Arnold
August 10, 2025
Over the last 15 years, only a global pandemic has caused Marvel Studios to go longer than a year between movie releases. But that is about to change. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters now, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day started filming just 10 days ago in anticipation of its release on July 31st, 2026. That is still 355 days away.
So, what does that mean for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Yes, there are a few Disney+ shows to look forward to (Wonder Man, Daredevil: Born Again S2, and Vision), but I suspect that many fans looking to scratch that MCU itch might embark on some form of rewatch for the first time since Avengers: Endgame. But so much has changed since then. Marvel Studios has released over 100 hours of new content since then. A rewatch (whether starting from the very beginning or just beginning in phase 4) is as daunting as it’s ever been, and the question of what order to watch has never been more important. Over the last few months, Robby and I have released a series of articles (1, 2, 3) trying to unpack a new way to watch that makes sense. Now, we are very nearly ready to unveil our (extremely tentative) FFW Watch Order so that folks can try it out and provide some feedback.
The long gap between movies also means that Friends From Work podcast episodes will become a little more sporadic on the main feed. But have no fear, the plan is to ramp up output for FFW+. It is a great time to consider a Plus membership. Patreon now offers an annual billing option, and anyone choosing annual over monthly will receive 20% off the monthly rate. That means annual subscribers will get a full year of bonus podcasts, merchandise discounts, FFW art prints, and access to the entire back catalog for just over $75. It is a tremendous value. Please consider it!
Tomorrow, for example, FFW+ listeners will be able to listen to the first official installment of Marvel Comics 101, as Kyle and Robby cover the four-issue miniseries “Marvels” written by Kurt Busiek with art from Alex Ross. Then on Thursday, the highly anticipated Chip Zdarsky interview will drop on the main feed.
For all the latest news and rumors, it’s time to head over to…
THE WATERCOOLER
THIS WEEK IN THE MCU
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is filming right now in Glasgow, Scotland, and fans are going crazy every day at the chance to see Tom Holland and the rest of the cast and crew filming downtown. Sony Pictures released the above one-minute promo video celebrating the start of filming.
The Hollywood Reporter profiled Marvel Studios’ unsung hero, writer Eric Pearson, last week. Pearson received writing credits on both Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps and has been working with the studio since the very early days. Pearson is rumored to be working on Blade next.
In an article from Deadline about Pedro Pascal, it was revealed that the actor recently wrapped his role in next year’s blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday.
In a Vanity Fair profile last week, James Marsden spoke about how excited he was to return to the role of Cyclops for Avengers: Doomsday.
I’m getting a little long in the tooth to put on the superhero costume. [Laughs.] I was excited because you're a part of something gigantic, and I've spent 20 years listening to people say, “when are you coming back? When are you coming back? Are you coming back?” I'm dead. Well, maybe not. I'm going to have a tough time struggling to get into costume if they waited a couple more years. So it's been a blast. It really has. It's been a nice little homecoming to a role that really put me on the map. It was the first real event project that I was ever a part of, and a very beloved character, this icon from the comics. And so to step back into that role was pretty special.
Vision showrunner Terry Matalas, speaking at “Star Trek Las Vegas”, confirmed that Todd Stashwick and Orla Brady (Star Trek: Picard) will be playing the mercenary Paladin and F.R.I.D.A.Y., respectively, in next year’s series.
BEYOND THE MULTIVERSE
Greg Daniels’ long-gestating “sequel” series to The Office received its first official trailer last week. The Paper, starring Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), premieres on Peacock on September 4th and features the same documentary crew that followed Dunder Mifflin Paper Company for 9 seasons, this time following the employees of a dying newspaper.
TRUE BELIEVERS RUMOR OF THE WEEK
Nexus Point News exclusively revealed several previously unknown characters who will appear in Marvel Zombies when the show streams on Disney+ on October 4th. I won’t spoil those characters here, but you can click this link for the details.
That is all I have for today. Come and join the FFW Discord server and share all your thoughts on watch orders, news, rumors, and what you’ll be doing during the long MCU break. Thanks for reading.
-Greg
