Bloomberg, after speaking with “people familiar with the matter,” is reporting that Disney and Marvel are considering delaying some of their upcoming movies, including The Marvels, due to the WGA and SAG strikes. Actors don’t do press or red carpets for a project while on strike, in addition to not doing any acting work, meaning in addition to being unable to promote their current slate, they may need to stretch them out before they run out of movies to release. Bloomberg does point out that The Marvels may be too far along in its marketing to delay, with a new trailer and some images in an Entertainment Weekly puff piece being released last week; other films, such as their new animated movie Wish, Poor Things, Next Goal Wins, and Magazine Dreams, could be held back if the strikes continue. Disney isn’t alone, as Warner Bros. is also considering delaying some of its upcoming films, like Dune Part Two and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
This is not any great tragedy either way. I expect The Marvels to bomb regardless of when it comes out or who promotes it. Captain Marvel made a lot of money, but that was at the height of MCU fandom right between Infinity War and Endgame. Most people have soured on Captain Marvel as a character since then, and personally, I haven’t even watched Ms. Marvel.
But what do you think? Is The Marvels a sleeper hit in the making, or another in a long line of 2023 bombs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!