Marvel Studios has made the unsurprising decision to delay ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, the two cinematic juggernauts set to define the climax of the Multiverse Saga. The films were originally slated for May 1, 2026, and May 7, 2027 release.
However, the dates have now been pushed to December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027. But as bittersweet as the news is, it might be exactly what the franchise needs.
Marvel Canceled Several Projects Alongside Delaying ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ And ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’
Let’s face it, as fans, it’s disappointing to wait longer for something we’ve been anticipating for years. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ will reunite and introduce some of the biggest characters in comic book history. We’re talking Avengers, the original Fox X-Men cast, the Fantastic Four, and possibly even Doctor Doom played by none other than Robert Downey Jr. himself.
Related: Mark Ruffalo To Reportedly Return As Hulk In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ And ‘Secret Wars’
These were going to be events, not just movies. However, it’s precisely because of those expectations that Marvel needs more time. Filming for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ only began in April 2025. Given the intense VFX requirements for a multiverse-spanning epic, the original May 2026 release date gave post-production teams just six or seven months to complete their work. That’s not just tight, it’s dangerous.
By shifting the film to December 2026, Marvel is giving itself breathing room. This move is also about recalibrating the broader MCU. Several untitled Marvel projects have now been removed or rescheduled, suggesting a more deliberate, focused approach going forward. Marvel seems to have taken the criticism seriously, and these delays are a sign.
Another ‘Barbenheimer’ Event Might Be On The Horizon With The Release Date Shift
There’s another twist to the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ delay, and it’s got film fans excited. The new release date now places the movie in direct competition with ‘Dune: Messiah’, the third chapter in Denis Villeneuve’s visually stunning sci-fi franchise starring Timothée Chalamet. Yes, it’s happening again.
In case you missed it: The Real Reason Why MCU Doesn’t Need Guardians Of The Galaxy In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Just like ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer‘ were released side-by-side in July 2023 to create the iconic cultural event known as ‘Barbenheimer’, fans are already cooking up names for this new clash and Dunesday might be it. Of course, this isn’t just funny, it’s going to be huge. Both films will draw massive audiences but from slightly different corners of fandom.
It’s a risky move for both studios, but it’s also a potential marketing goldmine. The dual release of Barbie and Oppenheimer proved that audiences don’t always have to choose, if both movies are compelling, they’ll both thrive. And Marvel could use a little cultural lightning. After a few years of uneven reception, a Barbenheimer-style event is what we need!
Moreover, fans have waited over five years for another Avengers film, and now we’ll wait even longer. And this might be frustrating. However, in that extra time lies potential. These are the films that will bring the Multiverse Saga to a close. They deserve time to breathe. If Marvel is serious about ending the saga on a high note, then this delay might’ve been necessary.
