The surprising delay to Avengers: Doomsday has created a major gap, something Marvel Studios hasn’t willingly done since the very first phase of films. Typically, MCU movies are released within only a few months of each other, with an average wait time of about 6 months (sometimes less). However, it looks as though Marvel fans will have a long wait ahead of them following the release of Fantastic Four: First Steps this July.

It was recently announced that Avengers: Doomsday has been moved from its May 1st release date to December 18th, 2026. Additionally, the following Avengers: Secret Wars has similarly been moved from its May 7th date to December 17th, 2027. As a result, the delay of Avengers: Doomsday means that the MCU is about to have one of its longest release gaps ever (though that might not be such a bad thing).

Fantastic Four To Spider-Man 4 Is The MCU’s Biggest Non-Covid Gap Since 2010

Not Since The Gap Between The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2

Firstly, it’s worth pointing out that Marvel movie delays during the global pandemic are a notable exception. Naturally, it was an incredibly tumultuous time for the entire world, and the entire film making industry was significantly impacted. For obvious reasons, Marvel was forced to delay certain projects and push back others due to forces outside its own control.

However, in terms of the MCU operating as normal, we haven’t seen a release gap this big since Phase 1 with The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010). Fantastic Four: First Steps is releasing this year on July 25th, while Spider-Man: Brand New Day isn’t slated for release until July 31st of next year. As such, there’s going to be just under a year when Marvel Studios intentionally won’t have any new movies in theaters.

Why The MCU Has Such A Big Release Gap Coming Up

More Time To Get It Right (Among Other Reasons)

The desire to delay the next two Avengers movies likely stems from a few different reasons on the part of Marvel Studios. Firstly, the delays will presumably give Marvel more time in terms of the films’ production, and especially post-production with visual effects, CGI, etc. As such, “extending the runway” will hopefully result in greater quality overall, something Marvel Studios has only recently started to regain with recent projects.

The delays also fit with Disney and Marvel Studios’ recent comments about slowing things down in terms of their releases, allowing for more of that quality as opposed to quanтιтy. This is something the MCU has struggled with since the release of Disney+ in 2019. Additionally, swapping both Avengers movies from May to December release dates does seem like a good idea for Disney overall, as it will mean less compeтιтion between its own properties considering the upcoming releases for Star Wars movies like The Mandalorian & Grogu on May 22nd, 2026 and Star Wars: Starfighter releasing May 28th, 2027.

The MCU’s Release Gap Should Benefit Marvel

Less Fatigue, And More Time To Build Hype

While some fans may be disappointed that they now have to wait even longer for the next big MCU crossovers, it should ultimately be a good thing for the franchise. More time in production can help ensure the best possible product will be delivered to theaters, and it should also help in terms of audience fatigue. Some Marvel fans might even have a chance to finally catch up on MCU projects during the interim. The delays should also allow Marvel Studios to build up the hype for Doomsday and Secret Wars even further.

Avengers: Doomsday is now releasing in theaters on December 18th, 2026.