Marvel President Kevin Feige has admitted that the studio’s approach to the release schedule of its TV shows is going to change.
In an extensive interview with Weekly entertainment (opens in a new tab) (EW), Feige revealed that wonderthe next range of Disney+ the shows were overloaded and unwieldy. Going forward, the studio plans to make sweeping changes to its launch schedule, allowing future Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV series to breathe and shine.
Initially, Feige was asked what Marvel has learned about making and delivering TV shows since Wanda Vision — the MCU’s first TV series — debuted in January 2021. In his response, Feige briefly mentioned a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit, which poked fun at how many shows Marvel was producing, before acknowledging that Marvel was reevaluating its approach to television.
“I think one of the most powerful things about being at Marvel Studios is that these movies and shows are in tune with the times,” Feige said. “It’s harder to hit the zeitgeist when there’s so much product – and so much ‘content’, as they say, which is a word I hate. [Laughs] But we want Marvel Studios and the MCU projects to really stand out and stand above it. So people will see that as we move through Phases 5 and 6. The pace at which we release Disney Plus shows will change so they can each have a chance to shine.
When asked if Marvel intended to space out its Disney Plus offerings or develop fewer TV shows than before, Feige replied, “Both, I think.”
Analysis: Cutting the fat from the MCU
Feige’s comments will likely be music to people’s ears.
From Wanda Vision spear Marvel Phase 4, fans and critics alike have regularly commented on Marvel’s increasingly comprehensive lineup of movies and TV shows. Phase 4 included 17 projects – seven movies, eight series, and two TV specials – and, given the mixed reception many of these productions have had, MCU fans believe Marvel has begun to prioritize quantity over the quality.
With at least 13 Stage 5 Wonder movies and shows slated for release between February 2023 and September 2024, and four movies already announced for Marvel Phase 6some industry analysts and fans think it won’t be long before superhero fatigue sets in (if it hasn’t already for some).
However, Feige’s comments give hope that Marvel is learning from its Phase 4 mistakes. has changed its release date schedule in light of Bladedevelopment issues. In the meantime, EchoStandalone series of rumored to be delayed to 2024, some MCU anime shows, including Spider-Man: Year Onecould end up being scrappedand even Marvel’s Phase 6 slate could be moved from 2025/26 to 2026/27.
Based on Feige’s suggestions, we should expect more movies and shows to get pushed back – and that would be welcomed by many. Three Marvel movies and two (or three) Disney Plus shows is more than enough MCU content to consume in a 12-month period. Whether Guardians of the Galaxy 3, Wonders, loki season 2And Secret Invasion are the only other projects released this year, we would be more than happy. The tastes of Stone heart, EchoAnd What if…? season 2which are also due out in 2023, can wait – and it will also give their cast and crew more time to make them as good as they can be.
Feige’s problem, however, is Disney’s — or rather returning CEO, Bog Iger’s — desire to expand his money-making franchise. In a recent CNBC (opens in a new tab) interview, Iger claimed that Disney will “lean even harder” on its top-grossing IPs, including the MCU, Avatar, and star wars.
Feige and Iger have a solid working relationship – it was Iger who stepped in to save Feige from being (and shockingly) fired in 2015. However, with Feige suggesting that Marvel will cut the grease from its film and TV lineup , and Iger pushing to release more projects instead, the pair will have to find some common ground if the MCU is to continue to thrive and get back on track after a few intervening years — critically, at least —.
For more MCU coverage, read our Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania review. Plus, find out which Marvel series is on our list of best Disney Plus showssee our ranking of best marvel moviesor discover how to watch marvel movies in order.