James Whitehead
Assembling a team of Avengers takes time, if Disney and Marvel didn’t already know that then they certainly do now. The 1st of May 2026 and the 7th of May 2027 were the original release dates for the next two Avengers films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, respectively. Already touted as Marvel’s most ambitious projects to this date due to the scale of the story and cast of characters involved, there were many vocal fears from fans that the 1st of May was always going to be tight, with filming having started only recently in what is assured to be an extremely effects-heavy film.
Avengers: Doomsday is now set to be released on 18th of December next year, with Avengers: Secret Wars also finding a new holiday season date on the 17th of December 2027. This 7-month push for the next Avengers film has certainly alleviated concerns about them not having enough time in post-production, but as things are with the internet, now people are concerned that these delays are a symbol of confusion with the direction of the film. Whilst we don’t know for certain, the search for the one cause triggering this move is a foolish one, as its more than likely a culmination of many factors.
While I concede to the notion that the timeline they originally gave themselves for the post-production did seem shorter than typical, especially when factoring in the scope of this film and all the fantastical elements involved. I think the reason that the push has been so substantial isn’t because of artistic direction issues, but merely a very strategical release to try and maximise the profits. Over the last decade, the month of December has steadily grown to be one of the most successful months to release a film, with the holiday season and typically bad weather driving people to the cinemas more than ever. For example, Marvel’s highest grossing film without “Avengers” in the title was Spiderman: No Way Home, a December release, notifying Marvel to the potential of releasing a big tentpole film around Christmas. So even if they only needed an extra month or two, it certainly makes more sense to release the film in December, over September or August.
Whilst I am sure, the effects artist and all other workers involved in the post-production are over the moon to have some of their deadlines extended, the size of the push is clearly more of a marketing strategy to maximise the Box Office, rather than any kind of a red flag. As much as I would love to see Avengers: Doomsday tomorrow, I must applaud Disney for the level of self-awareness lately when it comes to realising that certain projects need more time than usual; instead of rushing to meet deadlines. And since they’ve already announced an incredible 26 different lead actors for Doosmday, its evident that this film can be treated like no other: in any stage of its production.
What do you make of these delays? Are you concerned or relieved? Let us know below and be sure to keep up to date with the TV and Film News section on the Hitsplayer, for more Avengers updates and more…
