Disney have announced that the next two Avengers films have been moved from their May release dates to December, prompting frustration from some fans about the year-long hiatus this causes.
Avengers: Doomsday, which sees Robert Downey Jr return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this time playing villain Doctor Doom, has moved from May 1, 2026, to December 18 of the same year. The follow up, Avengers: Secret Wars, will move from May 7 to December 17 in 2027. The studio has moved The Devil Wears Prada 2 to Doomsday’s release slot.
The Hollywood Reporter quoted insider who say that the films, which feature an epic cast which combines MCU regulars with cast members from the 2000s X-Men movies, “are two of the biggest titles Marvel has ever made”, and that past experience has led them to want to avoid rushing their marquee releases.
At the time of writing, this leaves the current MCU film schedule with a 12 month gap between movies. The Fantastic Four: The First Steps is released July 25, with the next film after that being Tom Holland’s return in Spider-man: Brand New Day, released July 31, 2026.
On X (formerly Twitter), people found that wait too long to bear. “A whole year without a marvel movie is insane” wrote one user, with another pointing out: “Other than the break for COVID, FF and Spidey: Brand New Day will represent the longest period between MCU films since the 17-month gap between Incredible Hulk (June 2008) and Iron Man 2 (May 2010)”.
A whole year without a marvel movie is insane but wtv
— Professional Herb Glazer (@CarlosScheffler) May 22, 2025
So other than the break for COVID, FF and Spidey: Brand New Day will represent the longest period between MCU films since the 17-month gap between Incredible Hulk (June 2008) and Iron Man 2 (May 2010).
— its a me john (@BlanketMan77) May 23, 2025
Some fans theorised that Avengers: Doomsday coming after Spider-Man: Brand New Day could mean Holland could be brought into the action, given he was one of the few names not mentioned in the Doomsday cast announcement in late March. “This doomsday delay is def opening the doors to Spider-Man being in the movie” commented one fan.
yeah this doomsday delay is def opening the doors to spiderman being in the movie pic.twitter.com/9WhO8xoXiD
— juan (@JuanEdits) May 22, 2025
Some believed the delay was a good sign. “If it means a better movie, I’m cool with waiting seven months” said one person, while another remarked: “this is a good thing. Doomsday releasing in theaters in less than a year, with the film only a few weeks into production, always felt unrealistic”, before adding: “Let them cook”.
If it means a better movie, I’m cool with waiting seven months
— Armchair Olympian (@Reed_emAndWeep) May 22, 2025
Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but this is a good thing. Doomsday releasing in theaters in less than a year, with the film only a few weeks into production, always felt unrealistic.
Yes, delays are annoying. Yes, we WANT IT NOW.
But we also want it to be good. Let them cook. https://t.co/hrcqJc52AJ
— Brandon Moore (@indigo_15) May 22, 2025
Finally, one X/Twitter user pointed out that Dune: Messiah is pencilled in to be released on December 18, 2026, making for an interesting box office battle. “Lisan al Gaib vs RDJ Victor von Doom!” they joked.
Lisan al Gaib vs RDJ Victor von Doom! 😬 pic.twitter.com/5w7XduE4NF
— The Fighter's Edge (@FightersEdge1) May 23, 2025
In other news, Avengers: Doomsday directors Joe and Anthony Russo revealed in March that Robert Downey Jr. is helping write Doctor Doom’s backstory for the film.