Marvel Fans Beware: The Shocking Truth Behind the Delayed MCU Shows

Summary

Marvel Studios delaying their Disney+ series is disappointing for fans who were looking forward to more content in the MCU.

The recent changes to the schedule suggest a lengthier gap between shows and a reduction in output compared to previous years. Although these delays may be vital for the overall well-being of the franchise, they pose a potential risk of Marvel Studios ceasing the creation of new shows.

Fans are left disappointed as Marvel Studios announces delays for several Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ series. Despite previously reshuffling its schedule for various reasons, the primary factor behind the recent setbacks is the closure of movie theaters due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, the franchise was able to continue its storytelling through exclusive TV shows on Disney+. However, further delays have occurred due to the dual strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. As a result, popular Disney+ projects such as What If...?, Echo, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, X-Men '97, Daredevil: Born Again, Ironheart, and Wonder Man have all been pushed back.

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Marvel's TV Calendar Changes Point To A Much More Staggered Release Of MCU Shows

Following the delay of 7 MCU shows by Marvel Studios, only Loki season 2 still maintains its scheduled release date for 2023. Initially, Echo, Agatha Darkhold Diaries, and X-Men '97 were anticipated to be released this year. However, due to the latest round of changes, all of them are tentatively set for debuts in 2024. On the other hand, What If...? season 2 was originally planned for an early 2023 release but is now expected to arrive sometime around Christmas. Consequently, Marvel will only have two full live-action series in 2023: Secret Invasion and Loki season 2.

This is a substantial decline in output compared to recent years. In 2021, Marvel Studios commenced producing content for Disney+ with the release of four live-action projects: WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki season 1, and Hawkeye, in addition to What If...? season 1. Furthermore, four movies were also added to the mix. However, the following year, the MCU scaled back with three shows: Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and Ms. Marvel, alongside three major big-screen offerings.

Marvel May Wait To Develop More MCU Shows And Additional Seasons

With a decrease in yearly output, the wait between shows becomes longer. This, coupled with Marvel Studios slowing down its movie releases, may be disorienting for fans to experience such a prolonged hiatus in the franchise. Nevertheless, this decision could potentially be beneficial for the overall health of the franchise. It is no secret that Marvel Studios greatly escalated its releases following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, but despite the continued popularity of the universe, this constant output is often considered a contributing factor to the diminishing returns of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Unfortunately, the real cause for concern in this latest wave of delays is the possibility of Marvel Studios halting the development of new shows.

Will Marvel TV's Release Changes Affect The Movie Slate?

In addition to the shows mentioned earlier, there are several other MCU series currently in development. Among them are an untitled Wakanda series, Marvel Zombies, an untitled Nova show, and Vision Quest, to name a few. Assuming Marvel Studios continues its trend of releasing two to three new shows, these upcoming series should keep fans satisfied until the highly anticipated culmination of the Multiverse Saga in 2027 with Avengers: Secret Wars. While some may not find this news significant, those who haven't been particularly invested in Marvel Studios' previously announced small screen projects may have to wait until Phase 7 for something that catches their interest.

One of the MCU's most alluring attributes is its interconnected storytelling, featuring the exciting prospect of epic crossovers. Each project resides within a larger universe, resulting in the events of one project often being intertwined with others. The most pivotal events eventually serve as building blocks towards a grand culmination. Fortunately, while the Disney+ shows from Marvel Studios are indeed part of the expansive Multiverse Saga, none of the upcoming small screen projects directly establish connections to their cinematic counterparts. When considering Destin Cretton's Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, it is anticipated that Loki season 2 will play a significant role in the ultimate confrontation between Kang the Conqueror and the Avengers.

Marvel Studios' recent alterations to its Disney+ lineup are unlikely to affect the release dates of the highly anticipated movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Kevin Feige and his team have already postponed their movie schedule. It is plausible that they were aware of the delay in their small screen projects at the time, but chose to reveal it at a later date.