Marvel Studios is entering a pivotal moment, with its long-term plans once again under the microscope. Disney has reshuffled its release calendar, granting a 2027 summer slot once reserved for Marvel to none other than The Simpsons.
Although Marvel skipped San Diego Comic-Con this year, president Kevin Feige still outlined what’s ahead during a recent media sit-down. Feige admitted that the studio continues to adapt its approach in a streaming-heavy market, while carefully recalibrating how theatrical blockbusters are rolled out.
The most notable shift centers on Kang the Conqueror, previously seen as the linchpin of Marvel’s Multiverse saga. Jonathan Majors is out, and instead, Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU, this time as Doctor Doom, the iconic Fantastic Four adversary.
Feige also addressed what the next two Avengers films represent, calling them a fresh start without labeling them outright reboots. “Reboot is a scary word,” he said in Variety. “Reboot can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Reset, singular timeline—we’re thinking along those lines […] X-Men is where that will happen next.”
The idea aligns with Joe and Anthony Russo, who helmed Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). The brothers remarked earlier this year that Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) will expand the MCU in new directions rather than serve as definitive conclusions.
Feige kept some surprises hidden, only teasing that a new mysterious hero is in development. One clear confirmation is Tom Holland’s return for Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), which debuts just months ahead of the Avengers’ next assembly.
Between Doom’s arrival, the looming debut of the X-Men, and a redefined timeline, the MCU’s next chapter could be one of its most transformative yet. Disney revealed that July 23, 2027, will belong to a new Simpsons franchise movie, replacing a Marvel feature that had occupied the slot.
The Simpsons Movie 2 doesn’t have a storyline yet, but its voice cast is expected to include Dan Castellaneta, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer. By prioritizing Springfield’s most famous residents, Disney is signaling its investment in keeping The Simpsons a theatrical draw decades after their first film.
Marvel’s pipeline is packed, though not all projects have fixed release dates. Three titles, in particular, were thought to be circling the date now given to The Simpsons.
Simu Liu is set to return in the sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), with Destin Daniel Cretton likely to direct. Cretton’s current work on Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) has delayed progress, making the sequel’s initial Phase Six positioning less feasible. With The Simpsons moving into July 2027, Shang-Chi 2’s timing is likely pushed back.
While not formally announced, Doctor Strange 3 is widely expected, with Benedict Cumberbatch already confirming discussions with Marvel. Following the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) post-credits scene introducing Clea, a new adventure for the Sorcerer Supreme is inevitable. Early rumors pointed to 2027, but that now appears unlikely.
Blade continues to experience one of the longest gestation periods of any Marvel project. Since Mahershala Ali’s casting in 2019, the film has cycled through creative teams and undergone major script revisions. Originally envisioned as a period piece, the project now takes place in the present day, though no production date is set. Feige has emphasized that Blade will only advance once Marvel is satisfied with the screenplay.
Collectively, these projects underline both Marvel’s ambition and the logistical hurdles ahead.
Currently, the MCU’s big-screen lineup through 2028 includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 2026), Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027).
The shift may leave some Marvel fans frustrated, but Disney is clearly playing a long game, balancing one of television’s longest-running franchises with the studio’s superhero powerhouse.
