It seems Marvel Studios is now spacing out their content as the Disney Plus shows, Ironheart and Echo, could be pushed into 2024. Initially on schedule for release this year, some are now saying that the two series will arrive next year instead.
The slowdown in the release of projects stems from the earlier statement from Disney’s top honcho Bob Iger in which he revealed that they are making sure that they are mindful of the quality and cost of the content they release.
This is further supported by a statement from Marvel head Kevin Feige in his recent interview where he said that the pace in their release of shows would change.
Ironheart and Echo Series Likely Sees 2024 Release
READ MORE: Daredevil And Kingpin Returning For Marvel Echo Series
Compared to the earlier phases, the MCU’s Phase 4 produced the most titles in fewer years. In Entertainment Weekly’s interview with Feige, he said:
…as we get further into Phase 5 and 6. The pace at which we’re putting out the Disney+ shows will change so they can each get a chance to shine.
He proceeded to confirm that the titles would be spaced out and that the studio would be releasing fewer projects in a year.
Many have been commenting that the number of superhero movies and series is growing to the point that people are getting tired of them lately. I believe it was also during last year when 20th Century Studio President Steve Asbell told The Hollywood Reporter that across all divisions, meaning Marvel, Lucasfilm and others, there is a mandate to produce 10 for streaming and 2-3 for theatrical release.
Indeed, this gives the impression that the change in leadership shifted the directive. Now, Iger wants all the divisions under Disney to be more conscious of the cost. THR claims that the two series that will feel this change of pace are Marvel Studios’ Echo series and Ironheart. The two titles are unlikely to arrive this year.
The Echo series, announced in November 2021, is a spinoff from Hawkeye starring Alaqua Cox as the titular character, aka Maya Lopez. It’s supposed to pick up where the story left her, where he confronted Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin. The rumoured move to 2024 could be a better step for the series, as there were talks about it being rushed in production. Pushing it back will at least give the people behind the camera to refine it further.
Marvel’s official description of Echo states:
the origin story of Echo revisits Maya Lopez, whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.
Ironheart And Echo Series Might Be Delayed to 2024 On Disney Plus
Credit: Marvel Studios
READ MORE: Will Mephisto Be Introduced To The MCU In Ironheart?
The Ironheart series follows Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams, aka Ironheart. The series is said to follow after the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. On Marvel’s official page, the series states it will feature Riri as the genius inventor who has created the most advanced suit of armour since Iron Man. The page maintains the release date to be in the Fall.
Other series that Marvel has announced for release in 2023 are Season 2 of Loki and Secret Invasion, which will star Samuel L. Jackson. Included in that announcement is Agatha: Coven of Chaos.
Some fans say that the movement of release may also affect the announced dates for the big-screen titles. However, this may not always be the case. Feige has also mentioned in the interview that the following Phases of the MCU would be like the previous phases that led to the Infinity Saga. He said:
Not every film in the Infinity Saga focused on the Infinity Stones or Thanos, and it’ll be the same across 5 and 6. But we’re gearing up.
Phase 4 introduced so many characters that some people lost count. Some didn’t notice the supporting characters introduced in She-Hulk, Werewolf By Night, and Moon Knight. But, as Feige stated, viewers can enjoy watching their titles whether they just jump in or do the ‘homework’.
Delaying Echo and Ironheart if it will happen, considering these are titles which have already wrapped production and are most likely almost complete in post-production, there is a possibility that it won’t affect the flow of the Multiverse Saga. Marvel needs to allot time for their audience to savour the titles they release.
Perhaps it’s just the right time as any for Marvel to ‘chill out’ a bit in releasing content. They can take their time and make sure the projects they release at optimum quality. No need to rush.
Do you think it is a good idea to delay the release of likely already-completed projects for Disney Plus? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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