As Marvel Studios prepares for a back-to-back pairing of two major ensemble films this winter and beyond, fresh comments from star Anthony Mackie have reignited speculation about the production timeline of Avengers: Secret Wars. On Monday, Oct. 5, Deadline reported that Mackie, who portrays Sam Wilson/Captain America in the MCU, will return to Broadway for a stage role before resuming his superhero duties, and he confirmed he won’t wrap filming on Secret Wars until next summer.
The revelation has prompted fans and industry watchers to question whether the film could slip past its currently scheduled December 17, 2027 release date. While neither Marvel nor Disney has officially commented on any rumored delays, Mackie’s timeline suggests that principal photography for the sixth Avengers movie may still be underway months before it hits theaters.
A Broadway Detour Before Superhero Return
Mackie will reprise his role as Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare’s Macbeth on Broadway. According to Deadline, rehearsals begin in February and the production runs until July. “Once I finish on Broadway, I’ll go to finish up all the Avengers stuff for Secret Wars,” Mackie told the outlet.
If Mackie doesn’t complete his scenes until July 2027 at the earliest, that would mean the film remains in active production roughly five months before its planned release. This tight turnaround stands in sharp contrast to recent MCU history: principal photography for Avengers: Doomsday wrapped in September 2025, more than a year ahead of its December 18 premiere.
A Tight Production Schedule
The comparison to earlier ensemble films is notable. Infinity War and Endgame were shot back-to-back with only a few weeks between them, allowing for an extended post-production window. Secret Wars would instead face compressed timelines if Mackie’s schedule holds as described.
“Once I finish on Broadway, I’ll go to finish up all the Avengers stuff for Secret Wars.”
Anthony Mackie
Mackie noted that he could film his scenes next summer much like Alan Cumming did for Avengers: Doomsday, appearing alone against a green screen. This technique allows actors to shoot their portions independently of the main cast, which may explain how production can continue well into 2027 without necessarily indicating a delay.
Lack of Official Confirmation
Neither Marvel Studios nor Disney has addressed the rumored filming delays for Avengers: Secret Wars. The film remains slated for December 17, 2027, and if everything proceeds as planned, it will reach theaters on that date.
The current slate positions two major ensemble films in consecutive years: Avengers: Doomsday premieres December 18 this year, followed by Secret Wars the following winter. Fans continue to monitor production updates closely as Marvel moves deeper into its next phase of storytelling.
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