Like shockwaves rippling through the multiverse, it looks like the effects of Jonathan Majors’ ouster from the Marvel Cinematic Universe have some long-lasting implications. A new rumor suggests the upcoming Avengers movie will be pushed back from its 2026 release schedule due to the upheaval.
According to Alex Perez of The Cosmic Circus, the film formerly known as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty will not be coming out in 2026. The insider shared on X that there is too much work – and re-work – to be done before the movie arrives in theaters.
“Be advised: Avengers 5 is NOT coming out 2026,” Perez tweeted. “There is still much work to be tended to and too much to be set up before they can dive deep into the upcoming Avengers movie.”
Be advised: Avengers 5 is NOT coming out 2026. There is still much work to be tended to and too much to be set up before they can dive deep into the upcoming Avengers movie pic.twitter.com/MTlybhh0go
— Alex P. (@AlexFromCC) January 2, 2024
Jonathan Majors was found guilty by a jury of harassment and assault stemming from a domestic dispute with former partner Grace Jabbari in March. After the actor’s conviction, Marvel Studios removed Majors from its future MCU projects.
Marvel is currently searching for a new actor to take on the role of Kang the Conqueror in the Multiverse Saga. New rumors suggest that Colman Domingo is being eyed to replace Majors. The actor is best known for his work in Fear the Walking Dead, Lincoln, If Beale Street Could Talk, and Selma. Domingo recently received acclaim for his role in the biographical drama, Rustin.
The upcoming Avengers movie is also reportedly dropping “The Kang Dynasty” subtitle after the departure of Majors. There are rumors that Marvel wants to veer away from the villain-centric film and focus more on setting up the new Avengers team for Secret Wars.
Loki creator Michael Waldron has been picked to pen the script for both Avengers 5 and Secret Wars. New reports hint that the events of Loki Season 2 will play a huge part in the main storyline, with Kang still being a central character in the Multiverse Saga.
If Avengers 5 gets delayed beyond 2026, this means that Secret Wars will likely be pushed to 2028. With new rumors suggesting that the Multiverse finale will be a giant five-hour film split into two parts, it will mean that the current saga will possibly end in 2029.
It should give Marvel additional time to add new characters like the X-Men to the MCU or push new projects like the long-rumored Spider-Man 4 and Doctor Strange 3. Of course, this might just end up exasperating the super hero fatigue hitting audiences lately.
Marvel should take its sweet time and not be rushing into projects given its recent struggles with The Marvels, Ant-Man 3, and Secret Invasion. It would be best for the studio to slow down the pace and make deliberate choices in terms of the overall narrative. This new delay will give the studio some wiggle room in terms of what content it can add to make the Multiverse Saga a bit better.
