Disney executives are said to be pleased with what they’re seeing from Avengers: Doomsday, even as concerns grow about the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In a new report centered on incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, Variety notes that Marvel has struggled in recent years, with analysts openly questioning the strength of the brand.
However, internally, Disney leadership reportedly believes Avengers: Doomsday could be a major rebound moment.
Marvel “Definitely In A Rut,” Says Analyst
According to Variety, Doug Creutz, an analyst with TD Cowen, didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Marvel is definitely in a rut,” Creutz said.
The report explains that when Disney+ launched, Marvel Studios was tasked with producing multiple interconnected streaming series tied directly to the Avengers films.
The article notes that while WandaVision became a breakout hit, other shows such as She-Hulk struggled to generate the same level of excitement.
Worth pointing out is that the article also blames aggressive expansion and oversaturation causing superhero fatigue – not the poor quality of content – which is the real reason audiences are tuning out.
Recent Marvel Movies Fell Short
Variety also points out that recent MCU theatrical releases Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World fell far short at the box office compared to past Marvel highs (Fantastic Four, too).
That has led some pundits to argue that the future of the superhero franchise may hinge on Avengers: Doomsday.
However, sources for Variety inside Disney’s film division reportedly reject the idea that the MCU’s health depends on a single title.
Executives are said to be pleased with early footage and what they’ve seen from the December release.
Rival studio heads are even privately predicting that Doomsday could end up as the year’s highest-grossing film.
Tom Rothman Says Disney Mandates Hurt The MCU
Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman recently weighed in on Marvel’s struggles as well. While discussing the state of superhero films, Rothman suggested that Disney corporate mandates played a role in diluting the MCU.
He indicated that Kevin Feige was given marching orders during the Disney+ expansion push, which resulted in too much content being produced too quickly.
At the same time, Rothman reassured fans about the upcoming Avengers films, telling them “no worries, guys” when discussing the future of the franchise. He also said he wouldn’t bet against Kevin Feige.
Avengers: Doomsday hits Dec. 18, 2026.
