MCU news: Not so fast Marvel fans - ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’ hit with timeline alterations

In the aftermath of the critical success of Thunderbolts* and in the lead up to the MCU’s July-releasing Fantastic Four: First Steps, Disney have announced somewhat of a timeline alteration - shifting the release date for Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Does this MCU bombshell mean panic stations for Marvel fans?

Film News Blitz’s Aidan Leo runs you through the specifics.

Key details surrounding Marvel’s timeline extension

Both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars have been shifted from their initial mid 2026 and 2027 release dates to December 18, 2026 and December 17, 2027 respectively. 

After Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby’s initial appearance in Marvel colours in July, it’ll be just over one year before Tom Holland’s Spidey is swinging back on our screens on July 31, 2026.

This is the immediate timeline and trajectory that the MCU is on.

Therefore, Marvel fans should not expect perpetual MCU releases throughout the year, in the coming years like we did in the historic run of the 2010s, a time when we were truly spoiled for choice. 

With the probability of Holland’s role being that of a significant one in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey as well as Marvel’s upcoming slate likely succumbing to further change and adaptation, Spidey’s story might even find itself on an extended hiatus since the events of No Way Home.

A cloud of Doom for Marvel fans?

Indeed, but not in the way Marvel fans may think.

Firstly, all Marvel fanatics have Fantastic Four: First Steps on the 25 July to look forward to, which is certainly set for a high level of intrigue and critical acknowledgement particularly following Thunderbolts* which put Marvel ‘back on track’ - heading in the right direction.

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Furthermore, the compelling teaser of the Fantastic Four in that widely talked about post-credit scene in the film - teased lively, energetic and transformative writing and storylines to come for the MCU.

Additionally, even though the Sadie Sink news has gone relatively under the radar since it was announced she would join the cast for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, her introduction will certainly ruffle a few feathers and add engaging layers of depth to Peter Parker’s story, regardless of who she’s portraying.

Also, don’t overlook the nostalgia-fueled returns of many X-Men favourites from yesteryear and how their roles could translate in the fight against Marvel’s formidable upcoming foe if their characters are written and utilised correctly.

Speaking of the big bad - Doctor Doom himself.

We’ve all seen the Instagram post, Robert Downey Jr. is clearly putting the hours in to up his physical condition to take full command of our screens and centre stage in the impending arc of Doom against what’s left of our beloved Avengers.

One thing is a certainty though, RDJ being the actor extraordinaire that he is, will be meticulously planning for Victor Von Doom to outdo the effect of Tony Stark and Iron-Man’s everlasting imprint on our film-loving souls.

So fret not, Marvel fans - Doom may be on the horizon, but I have a feeling something Fantastic is closing in.

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