Marvel is facing renewed scrutiny as the Marvel Cinematic Universe navigates a period of uneven performance and divided fan response – but the studio may have a solution.
Recent years have exposed cracks in Marvel’s release strategy. Films such as Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and The Marvels (2023) drew criticism for weak scripts, inconsistent visual effects (need we remind you that Quantumania was negatively compared to Spy Kids?), and tonal imbalance. The Marvels ultimately became the studio’s lowest-grossing release to date.
The studio’s Disney+ output has also struggled to maintain momentum. Series including Secret Invasion (2023) and Echo (2024) failed to generate sustained engagement, fueling concerns that Marvel’s interconnected storytelling model may have expanded too quickly across platforms.
Not all releases have underperformed. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) earned strong reviews and solid box office returns, while Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) each surpassed $1 billion globally. Still, those successes have not restored the franchise’s former reliability.
The trend continued in 2025. Both The Fantastic Four: The First Steps (2025) and Thunderbolts* (2025) – later technically renamed The New Avengers in post-release marketing – received generally favorable reviews but fell short of blockbuster expectations, highlighting a widening gap between critical reception and audience turnout.
Attention has since shifted to Marvel’s next major crossover.
Avengers: Doomsday (2026) has become a focal point for debate following a series of high-profile announcements. The studio confirmed the return of Robert Downey Jr., cast as Doctor Doom rather than Iron Man, reportedly for a salary exceeding $80 million. Directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo are also returning.
The ensemble includes Chris Hemsworth, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Simu Liu, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, and Ian McKellen. A teaser released ahead of Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) further confirmed that Chris Evans will reprise his role as Steve Rogers, despite the character’s conclusion in Avengers: Endgame (2019).
The decisions have divided fans. Some view the reliance on legacy characters as a way to restore familiarity and narrative continuity. Others argue it reflects uncertainty about the franchise’s future direction.
— Monkeypaw Productions (@Monkeypaw) December 29, 2025
As Marvel weighs its next steps, a separate rumor suggests the studio is considering Jordan Peele for a future Marvel Cinematic Universe project.
Insider Daniel Richtman reported the possibility, without naming a specific title.
Separately, journalist Jeff Sneider stated on The Hot Mic podcast that Peele previously met with Marvel regarding the X-Men reboot, which ultimately went to Jake Schreier, director of Thunderbolts* (2025).
Peele's own production company has since added fuel to the flames by reposting the rumor, accompanied by some shady eye emojis.
Fans have since speculated about other potential fits, including the long-delayed Blade reboot.
Whether Peele becomes involved remains unconfirmed. What is clear is that Marvel is reassessing its creative approach as it works to stabilize a franchise no longer operating from a position of certainty.
Would you like to see Jordan Peele step into the MCU?
