Avengers: Secret Wars Production Reportedly Moves To 2027 — Is A Delay Coming?

Something catastrophic may be coming for the Marvel Cinematic Universe — and it isn't Doctor Doom. Audiences around the world are anticipating the arrival of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom as he declares war on the MCU in "Avengers: Doomsday" this December. That movie will tee up the ball for "Avengers: Secret Wars," which is due to conclude the Multiverse Saga in December 2028. However, it looks like a delay for the latter film may be on the horizon, which could cause several problems for Marvel Studios and Disney.

According to multiple reports from known scoopers such as Daniel RPK and Apocalyptic Horseman, production on "Secret Wars" is expected to be delayed until January 2027. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo are currently deep in post-production on "Doomsday" as they seek to meet that movie's release date, which has evidently impacted the timeline for "Secret Wars." Though not yet confirmed by Disney, /Film's sources have confirmed that this information is legitimate.

"Avengers: Doomsday" was filmed without a finished script, meaning the Russo Brothers were clearly working under the gun. It's worth remembering that the MCU's original plans involved Kang, with the original title for "Doomsday" being "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty." That changed after Marvel parted ways with actor Jonathan Majors after he was found guilty of harassment and assault. Thus began the scramble and pivot to Doctor Doom.

As it stands, "Avengers: Secret Wars" is the only Marvel movie premiering in 2027. Marvel Studios and Disney were clearly trying to emulate what they did with "Infinity War" and "Endgame" in 2018 and 2019, with those movies coming out exactly one year apart from one another. If this production delay holds firm, there is virtually no chance that "Secret Wars" would hang onto its current release date. Therein lies the problem.

Marvel Studios is already beginning to build out its post-Multiverse Saga slate. The "X-Men" reboot cast was revealed at D23, with the new take on the mutants expected to hit theaters on May 5, 2028. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the new irons that the MCU has in the fire.

Director Shawn Levy's "Ghost Rider" starring Ryan Gosling is also coming in 2028, currently slated for July 28 of that year. Then comes "Black Panther III" in December 2028. It's not that Marvel hasn't had to shift around its release schedule before, but none of these movies can come out until "Secret Wars" brings the current saga to a close. With the current expected production delay, does that mean "Black Panther III" would get punted to 2029? Would "Secret Wars" take the May 2028 date that "X-Men" currently occupies? Those are big questions with no clear answers for the time being.

The other issue has to do with momentum. Marvel's 2025 box office proved the MCU has fallen from grace, with "Thunderbolts*" and "Captain America: Brave New World" falling well short of expectations. But "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has literally become one of the biggest movies of all time, and the "Avengers Endgame: Encore" re-release performed very well. If "Doomsday" delivers the goods, Marvel and Disney need to capitalize on that.

Having "Secret Wars" come out more than a year after what we all assume is going to be one heck of a cliffhanger is not ideal. That could take some of the wind out of the sails, in addition to potentially causing all sorts of scheduling issues with major talent they have booked for a number of projects. This could get messy.

"Avengers: Doomsday" hits theaters on December 18, 2026.