Disney Drops Multiple Marvel Movies as Release Cuts Take Place Under Bob Iger

Marvel Studios Hits Reset: Delays, Downey’s Recasting, and a Reimagined Avengers Era

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is undergoing a dramatic transformation. In a move that signals a substantial pivot, Marvel Studios has delayed the release of two major Avengers installments—2026’s Avengers: Doomsday and 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars—as part of a broader strategy shift under Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Originally, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was supposed to follow up 2019’s Avengers: Endgame as the next Multiversal blockbuster. But after actor Jonathan Majors—previously cast as Kang—was found guilty in a criminal trial and subsequently fired by Marvel, the film was shelved. That decision set off a domino effect, prompting Marvel to rethink its overarching roadmap.

Now, the Multiverse will be rewritten with Avengers: Doomsday, which has taken Kang Dynasty’s place as the next epic ensemble film. But in a surprising twist, Robert Downey Jr. returns to the MCU in an entirely new role—Victor Von Doom. It’s a striking change for the actor most synonymous with Iron Man, one that sets a new course for his legacy within the franchise.

Backing this fresh chapter are Joe and Anthony Russo, returning to the directors’ chairs after delivering Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame. With them at the helm, Marvel is signaling a return to high-stakes, emotionally charged storytelling.

Unfortunately, these new stories won’t arrive as soon as fans hoped. Avengers: Doomsday has been rescheduled to December 18, 2026, while Avengers: Secret Wars will now land on December 17, 2027. Each has been postponed by seven months—a shift that underscores Marvel’s renewed focus on development, polish, and cinematic quality.

Variety summed it up this way: “The notable decrease in theatrical Marvel features on the immediate horizon aligns with Disney CEO Bob Iger’s recently articulated strategy for the company’s superhero features.” In Iger’s own words, “Marvel Studios had ‘lost a little focus by making too much’ between its tentpoles and various Disney+ series.”

“He continued, ‘By consolidating a bit and having Marvel focus much more on their films, we believe that will result in better quality.’”

These words track with Iger’s broader initiatives since returning to Disney’s top role in late 2022. He’s made no secret of his desire to tighten the MCU’s scope, refine its creative vision, and make each release feel like a true cinematic event.

In addition to the Avengers updates, Disney has adjusted its wider release schedule, eliminating three “Untitled Marvel” slots from the calendar. February 13, 2026; November 6, 2026; and November 5, 2027 are now reserved for broader “Untitled Disney” projects. With Doomsday and Secret Wars commanding the winter windows, an extra Marvel release in November no longer fits the company’s narrowed focus.

Another ripple effect: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), initially thought to happen at the same time as the events in Doomsday, may now occupy a new timeframe. This reshuffling leaves a big gap between The Fantastic Four: First Steps in 2025 and the next Spidey film.

Still, Marvel may benefit from a December debut. With Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four reigniting fan interest, Avengers: Doomsday could arrive with stronger momentum. Holiday releases have long been box office powerhouses, and Marvel’s bet is that Doomsday will follow suit.

The roster for the upcoming Avengers is a massive roll call of returning favorites and fresh faces: Robert Downey Jr. (Doctor Doom), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), James Marsden (Cyclops), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Channing Tatum (Gambit), Danny Ramirez (Falcon), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Letitia Wright (Shuri), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Joseph Quinn (Human Torch), Tenoch Huerta Mejia (Namor), Pedro Pascal (Mister Fantastic), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Thing).

Plus, the Thunderbolts crew will also carry over: Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Lewis Pullman, and Sebastian Stan.

This reshuffle reflects more than just a delay—it’s a new direction. With recalibrated priorities, recalculated risks, and a recalibrated cast, Marvel is preparing to redefine what its biggest stories can be.

How do you feel about the ongoing scheduling changes at Disney and Marvel? Let us know.