Marvel Studios kicked off its return to San Diego Comic-Con with dancing Deadpool variants and a choir for a panel featuring news on the next two Avengers films and surprise guests including Harrison Ford and Robert Downey Jr.

Downey is returning to Marvel movies, but not as Iron Man. He will play the villain Victor Von Doom, or Doctor Doom, in at least one of the upcoming Avengers films.

Downey was the driving force behind Marvel’s film success with Iron Man, playing the popular character in nine films, but appeared on Saturday (local time) wearing the mask of Dr. Doom and a green cloak.

“New mask, same job,” Downey said to loud cheers.

The Russo brothers, who will direct the film with Downey, said his appearance in the film is “proof of the unimaginable possibilities of the Marvel multi-universe.”

The reveal was the highlight of a lavish return for Marvel to Comic-Con’s Hall H.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that the success of Deadpool & Wolverine this weekend had pushed the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe to more than $50 billion in box office revenue. In a nod to a scene in the film, a choir sang Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” before Feige spoke.

Deadpool & Wolverine, which came out on Thursday, has already broken one record and could shatter more in its opening weekend.

Feige used Saturday’s panel (local time) to chart the course for the MCU, revealing Ford’s character in the next Captain America film and announcing that Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday will be the titles of the next two films in the epic superhero franchise.

Feige said all of the actors introduced would appear in the upcoming Avengers films, which will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. The brothers have led the Avengers franchise through its expansive story arc, culminating in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

The session comes after Marvel skipped last year’s convention due to Hollywood strikes, which prevented writers and actors from speaking on panels. Feige will be joined by several special guests, including stars from upcoming Marvel titles such as Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four.

The cast of Captain America: Brave New World — Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Rameriez, Giancarlo Esposito, and Anthony Mackie — took the stage first and gave details about the upcoming film. Esposito revealed that he will play the villain, Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder.

The cast then stepped aside to share a scene from the film on the big screen, which saw President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, played by Ford, hope to rebuild the Avengers with Sam Wilson (Mackie).

It also showed Ford’s character transforming into the Red Hulk. Ford himself joined the panel after fans were treated to clips from the film, showing off his muscles to the roaring audience.

The cast and director of Thunderbolts* also surprised fans with a short clip from the film. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan and David Harbour (in full costume and initially speaking as the Red Guardian) took to the stage and shared a few more details about their characters.

The film is expected to be released in May 2025.

The final film announced during the panel was The Fantastic Four, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Filming begins Tuesday in London, Feige said.

He said the film will hit theaters exactly one year from now, in July 2025.

Following a video director Matt Shakman created especially for Comic-Con that showed the cast in all their ’60s glory, he and Feige revealed the film’s official title: The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Marvel took over Hall H on Thursday (local time) with a thrilling panel honoring Deadpool & Wolverine, treating the audience to a full screening and surprise guests joining stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman on stage.

The growing enthusiasm for the film at Comic-Con was reflected across the country, as fans flocked to see the film in theaters, making it the new record holder for Thursday previews for an R-rated film.

The comic book adaptation has sold an estimated NZD$65.3 million in tickets during preview screenings through Thursday (local time).

The success of Deadpool & Wolverine woke up a sleepy year for Marvel and put an end to concerns about disappointing box office performances in late 2023. The superhero factory hit rock bottom in November with the launch of The Marvels, which opened with just NZD$80 million.