Following the recent postponements of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars to December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027 respectively, Marvel fans have been left curious about the identity of the untitled film scheduled for July 23, 2027. This slot now stands as the sole MCU release positioned between the two highly anticipated Avengers films, especially after Spider-Man: Brand New Day was moved to July 31, 2026.

With this in mind, speculation has run rampant across fan forums and social media platforms regarding what could possibly fill this mysterious gap. One of the most popular theories gaining traction is that the next installment in the Doctor Strange franchise could be the logical choice. “I think Doctor Strange 3 is the most likely,” a user commented on a recent thread in r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers. Others echoed similar sentiments, with one X / Twitter commenter adding, “Probably Doctor Strange 3 imo. Maybe Shang-Chi 2, which I would rather tbh.” Another fan chimed in with an even more ambitious idea: “I’m hoping that Dr. Strange III is World War Hulk.” While imaginative, such a storyline might stretch the boundaries of current Phase expectations.

Despite the enthusiasm around a potential third Doctor Strange film, some fans are convinced that another title deserves priority consideration. “Doctor Strange 3 is the most realistic choice for Marvel movie between Doomsday and Secret Wars. Blade is definitely pushed to post Secret Wars now,” one Reddit comment read—only to be countered by another user who argued, “No, the most realistic choice is BP3, a film both Marvel and Coogler have actually talked about making.” The call for a Black Panther 3 appears to be growing louder, particularly in light of the cultural impact of previous entries in the series and the success of Sinners.

The argument for Black Panther 3 seems grounded in practicality. “So weird that everyone is talking about DS3, a film with no director that no one has talked about,” one commenter noted. “Meanwhile Black Panther 3 is right there.” Further support came from fans pointing out that the project may already be further along than others. “It feels furthest along than everything else,” one Redditor said. Another added, “I think it’ll be Black Panther 3 or (outside chance) Doctor Strange 3.” Additional context was provided by a fan referencing Nate Moore, who previously indicated his intention to produce the film before leaving Marvel. However, concerns were raised over timing, as Moore has since taken a break from the project, stating he will return later to fulfill his producing role.

On the other side of the conversation, a minority of fans believe that the Blade reboot could finally make its way into theaters, despite being shelved for years with Mahershala Ali still attached since 2019. “I think Blade was secretly shot,” one user speculated, while another joked, “Could it be Blade? Lol.” That said, some fans question whether a Blade film would serve the overarching narrative leading up to Secret Wars. “Whatever this MCU film is in-between Doomsday & Secret Wars, it will likely be one that enhances the story of those films. I don't think Blade is (nor should it be) the film to do that.”

Beyond the mainstream options, a few fans floated more unconventional ideas. “MAYBE a Young Avengers / Champions movie (would most likely be a show but holding onto hope),” one X/ Twitter user suggested. Another creative pitch came from a Redditor who proposed, “How about a Midnight Sons team-up movie led by Blade and introducing Ghost Rider as well and set on Battleworld?” These suggestions reflect a desire for fresh storytelling angles within the MCU’s evolving multiverse saga.

Of course, not all theories stay grounded. A few fans believe that Sony might take over the July 2027 slot for a Spider-Man-related release. “Sony will take that spot for Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” one Twitter user claimed, while another insisted, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day will move there. Simple.”

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