Disney Delays Marvel Films, ‘Avatar’ Sequels & New ‘Star Wars’ Films Due To WGA Strike

Massive release date changes were fairly commonplace over the past few years, as we watched the COVID pandemic shift entire distribution strategies for film studios. Now, it appears the WGA Strike has finally shown its impact on film releases, at least over at Disney, as the studio delays some of the biggest films on its schedule including new “Avengers,” “Star Wars,” and “Avatar” films.

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Let’s start with the most changes, which happen to be over at Marvel Studios. Basically, every single Marvel Studios film that was expected to release in 2024 and beyond is being shifted due to the WGA Strike. The only film to get pushed up is actually “Deadpool 3,” which moves from November 8, 2024, to May 3, 2024, taking over for “Captain America: Brave New World.” As for ‘Cap 4,’ that film is now delayed until July 26, 2024. “Thunderbolts” and “Blade” have been delayed (which is obvious considering their productions have been shelved until after the strike) until December 20, 2024, and February 14, 2025, respectively. That change means “Fantastic Four” moves from February 14, 2025, to May 2, 2025. Perhaps the biggest delays are hitting the two new ‘Avengers’ films, both getting pushed a full year. ‘Kang Dynasty’ is now May 1, 2026, and ‘Secret Wars’ is now May 7, 2027. 

Some other significant delays have hit the ‘Avatar’ franchise. The third film is now set to arrive on December 19, 2025, pushing itself a full year. This means the other two announced sequels are being pushed, as well, to December 21, 2029, and December 19, 2031. Yes, we’re officially planning for films in the 2030s.

Also not surprising is the delay to the new “Star Wars” film. Previously, we were expecting this to occupy that December 2025 timeframe, but with “Avatar 3” there, the new “Star Wars” has been delayed to May 22, 2026. And interestingly, Disney used this time to announce a second “Star Wars” film, which is expected to arrive on December 18, 2026. Both are untitled, but with these dates, you have to assume it’s still the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy-directed film as well as the big ‘Mandalorian’ event film from Dave Filoni. 

In addition to these franchises, Disney unveiled official dates for the new “Moana” live-action film on June 27, 2025, and a new, untitled “Alien” film on August 16, 2024.

Here’s a rundown of the new dates:

Marvel Studios
“Deadpool 3” – May 3, 2024
“Captain America: Brave New World” – July 26, 2024
“Thunderbolts” – December 20, 2024
“Blade” – February 14, 2025
“Fantastic Four” – May 2, 2025
“Avengers: Kang Dynasty” – May 1, 2026
“Avengers: Secret Wars” – May 7, 2027

Avatar
“Avatar 3” – December 19, 2025
“Avatar 4” – December 21, 2029
“Avatar 5” – December 19, 2031

Lucasfilm
Untitled “Star Wars” – May 22, 2026
Untitled “Star Wars” – December 18, 2026