Exclusive: The Real Reason Behind the Marvel Series Delay at Disney+
Contrary to earlier reports, the eagerly awaited Marvel series faces unexpected setbacks as several Disney+ projects experience delays, leaving fans disappointed
Highlights
Echo, the Marvel Cinematic Universe spin-off, will not debut on Disney+ until early 2024 due to the new streaming paradigm.
As a result of Disney's revised streaming strategy, MCU projects slated for release in 2023 have been impacted by delays and a spaced-out release schedule. These setbacks are primarily attributed to strikes and the challenges faced in effectively marketing the projects. Consequently, there is a possibility of certain cuts to the planned content of the MCU and even a potential soft reboot of the franchise.
Strike action and the changing landscape of streaming have significantly impacted several projects on Disney+, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe spin-off Echo and more.
Inspired by the Marvel Comics character of the same name, Echo made her debut in the MCU through the Disney+ series Hawkeye. Initially portrayed as an antagonist in pursuit of Clint Barton's alter ego Ronin, seeking revenge for her father's murder, she eventually uncovers that The Kingpin was responsible. Echo's character received a positive reception, leading to the development of a Hawkeye spinoff centered around her even before the release of the initial series.
Deadline has confirmed that Echo, the Marvel show set to be released on Disney+, will no longer debut in 2023 as previously believed. Instead, the spin-off series will premiere on the streaming service in early 2024. This change is one of the first outcomes of Disney's new approach to streaming, which involves focusing on internally controlled intellectual properties and removing certain titles from outside IPs. As a result, Disney will now need to space out its releases, effectively canceling all remaining 2023 releases for the MCU. This is not the first time Echo has faced delays; the 2023 release date was already a result of previous delays. Other MCU projects, with the exception of the second season of Loki, have also been impacted by the delays. This includes the highly anticipated Disney+ Daredevil: Born Again, which faced production halts due to ongoing strikes and has now been indefinitely removed from the release schedule. The reboot of the 90's animated X-Men series, titled X-Men '97, and the Wandavision spin-off led by Katheryn Hahn have also been affected.
Disney's streaming strategy is undergoing a significant transformation due to strikes and challenges in effectively marketing projects through star endorsements. This has heightened concerns about potential cuts to planned MCU content. Surprisingly, Echo appears to be the least favorable choice for Disney to prioritize among their projects. The debut of the Echo series on Disney+ holds great significance for certain subsets of the fanbase, as Marvel was commended for its authentic portrayal of disability in Hawkeye, where the character originated.
Given the radical shift in streaming models and the declining popularity of the MCU, it is increasingly plausible that a soft reboot, similar to the DCU, may be in the franchise's future. If plans for such a bold move materialize, the fate of the MCU's Disney+ shows could become even more uncertain. We can only speculate on how the MCU will fare once Disney's new strategy fully comes to fruition.
Marvel’s Echo is now slated for a January 2024 premiere on Disney+.
Source: Deadline
