There could be only two Marvel Cinematic Universe shows released in 2023, as a new multiple shows have reportedly been delayed. Marvel Studios hit the ground running when it came to bringing content to Disney+ at a furious pace. They released seven live-action shows, one animated series, a series of animated shorts, and two live-action specials in the span of two years. As a result, the MCU Phase 5 slate was announced with another flurry of Disney+ shows, which included giving five series' 2023 release dates.
After growing concerns and criticisms about the pace at which these titles arrive, THR has now reported that only two MCU shows could release in 2023 as part of a new Marvel show release plan. The outlet's sources claim that Secret Invasion and Loki season 2 are the only "sure bets" to release this year still. Neither show has received an official release date from Disney and Marvel Studios. This comes as Ironheart, Echo, and Agatha: Coven of Chaos - which were all announced with 2023 releases in mind - could be delayed until next year as the Disney+ release strategy is overhauled by Disney's returning CEO Bob Iger.
What Marvel's Show Delays Mean For The MCU Phase 5 Slate
If Secret Invasion and Loki season 2 are the only MCU shows releasing in 2023, that represents a significant shift in the Phase 5 slate. It was originally expected that nine MCU movies and shows would release this year. This number already went down with Blade's delay to 2024. It now appears that Marvel Studios is gearing up for a slower rollout of content throughout the year and will bring the overall number of live-action projects released down to five. This s for the three planned movie releases, Secret Invasion, and Loki season 2.
Marvel's reported decision to only keep two MCU shows in 2023 comes after Secret Invasion and Loki season 2 are the only ones they've released footage for. It also comes as both shows directly connect to 2023 MCU movie releases, as Secret Invasion sets up The Marvels and Loki season 2 could continue Kang's storyline after Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The other now-delayed MCU shows likely do not have any pressing connections to the Phase 5 slate that force Marvel's hand to release them this early.
The question that now comes is if two MCU Disney+ shows per year will become the new standard for Marvel's release strategy. They already have eight additional shows that are known to be in some stage of development, so rolling them out at this slow pace would be a surprise. Instead, this could be a chance for Marvel Studios to fine-tune its process of making TV shows. Secret Invasion and Loki season 2 being the only MCU shows released in 2023 represents the studio's faith in the final product.
Source: THR
