Marvel Studios has quietly pulled the plug on an untitled film slated for release in 2027, marking yet another shake-up in the MCU's ambitious Phase 6 lineup. The decision, announced late last week, leaves fans speculating about the studio's direction as it navigates a crowded slate of superhero epics. Instead of the mysterious Marvel project, Disney has slotted in a long-awaited sequel to the 2007 The Simpsons Movie, a move that underscores the conglomerate's push to diversify its theatrical offerings amid superhero fatigue.
Details on the canceled film remain scarce—Marvel hasn't revealed its title or plot, fueling online theories that it might have been a Doctor Strange follow-up or something tied to the impending Avengers: Secret Wars. However, the removal creates a noticeable gap in Phase 6, which already boasts heavy hitters like Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and the Fantastic Four reboot earlier this year. Indeed, this isn't the first casualty; Marvel has scrapped projects before, from early drafts of Blade sequels to other unannounced ventures, as the studio recalibrates post-Endgame success.
The timing feels particularly pointed. With Phase 5 wrapping up unevenly—think the mixed reception to Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World—executives seem intent on streamlining. Yet, replacing a core MCU entry with an animated family comedy raises eyebrows. Fans on social media expressed disappointment, with some calling it a "desperate pivot" from the multiverse saga's climax. Moreover, it could signal broader cuts at Disney, where recent earnings reports highlighted streaming pressures and box office underperformers.
Still, Marvel insists Phase 6 remains robust, with eight films planned through 2028, including potential Black Panther and X-Men teases. However, the unceremonious axing leaves one wondering if the MCU's infinite possibilities are starting to contract under their own weight.