Marvel Studios reduces movie output after disappointing Phase 4

MCU powerhouse Marvel Studios is planning on reducing its movie output after a disappointing Phase 4. Following a huge slew of movies and TV shows, the colossal Cinematic Universe is slowing down.

Phases 3 and 4 of the MCU were huge undertakings for Marvel Studios. Phase 3 consisted of 11 movies whereas Phase 4 was built on 7 movies, 8 TV shows and 2 specials.

Starting with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the MCU is already in its fifth phase, but fans will have to wait longer to see the Multiverse Saga play out. According to Above the Line’s Jeff Snieder, speaking on The Hot Mic podcast, the MCU’s output is being cut.

Snieder explained that Marvel Studios is looking to limit new productions to “two shows and three movies a year” after finishing its current slate of content. The new release structure will not only allow Marvel to focus more on quality, but also limit superhero fatigue.

“Marvel's target output has been reduced. I don't know if this has been reported, or if this was a line in the trades, or whatever, but I'm told that the target output has been reduced from four shows and four movies a year to two shows and three movies a year,” he said. “And of course that's malleable. You could get one on either side of that, or whatever."

Previously, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige explained that the next slate of MCU films will be created to “hit the zeitgeist” in a way that recent films have failed to fit.

“It is harder to hit the zeitgeist when there's so much product out there — and so much 'content,' as they say, which is a word that I hate,” Feige said.

Over the past MCU Phase, Marvel movies have been highly criticised. Coming off the cultural phenomenon that was Avengers: Endgame, divisive films such as Black Widow, Thor: Love and Thunder and Ant-Man 3 have harmed the reputation of the MCU.

The studio’s quick release structure has also led to numerous controversies surrounding its visuals effects. Not only have new MCU films been criticised for poor quality CGI, but numerous VFX studios have also boycotted the studio for overworking employees.

If Marvel does move to this new release structure, a number of upcoming movies may end up being delayed. Over the past year, numerous projects have been delayed or sent to reshoots, but many of these films have still released to underwhelming response.

Marvel Studios still has huge plans for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and with films such as Spider-Man: No Way Home still making over a billion dollars, the MCU is far from dead.