Marvel Studios has announced new release dates for two highly anticipated films. “Avengers: Doomsday” has been pushed from May 1, 2026, to December 18, 2026. Meanwhile, “Avengers: Secret Wars” will now debut on December 17, 2027, moving from its previous date of May 7, 2027.
In a strategic move, Disney will fill the May 2026 slot with the sequel “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” produced by 20th Century Studios. This helps maintain a strong summer lineup despite the major shifts in the Marvel schedule.
Marvel Studios recently conducted an extensive livestream where they revealed casting details for “Avengers: Doomsday,” featuring a blend of beloved characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, notable actors from the X-Men franchise under 20th Century Fox, and fresh faces from the upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” However, some iconic characters like Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, and Captain America, portrayed by Chris Evans, were absent from the list, although Evans is expected to return for at least one of the films.
The narrative of the upcoming “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars” films will also incorporate characters from “Thunderbolts,” adding depth to the crossover potential within the Marvel storyline. Insiders have noted that these two films are among Marvel’s most ambitious projects yet, and the release date adjustments are essential for optimizing production schedules, especially as “Doomsday” is currently in the shooting phase. Marvel has learned valuable lessons about the pitfalls of rushing productions.
Historically, December releases have been favorable for Marvel, evidenced by the success of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which also premiered in that month.
In addition, Disney and 20th Century Studios will launch Ridley Scott’s apocalyptic thriller “The Dog Stars” on March 27, 2026, further enriching their 2026 slate.
This adjustment in the Marvel release schedule reflects a thoughtful approach to production and storytelling, promising audiences a compelling cinematic experience in the coming years. The industry can look forward to an exciting array of films as Marvel continues to expand its universe.