Marvel star Anthony Mackie has indicated that principal photography for "Avengers: Secret Wars" will extend into July 2027, following his commitment to a Broadway production of Shakespeare's "Macbeth." Mackie is set to star as the titular character in the stage play, with rehearsals beginning in February and previews starting in late March. The production is scheduled to run in New York until July 2027.
Mackie stated, "Once I finish on Broadway, I'll go to finish up all the Avengers stuff for Secret Wars," directly linking the completion of the film's production to the end of his stage run. This timeline has led to speculation among fans tracking the massive blockbuster's development.
"Avengers: Secret Wars" is currently slated for release on December 17, 2027. Reports last week suggested that principal photography, initially believed to have been scheduled for September, had been delayed until early next year. However, Mackie's recent comments imply filming will continue well into 2027.
Fans are now questioning how Marvel plans to complete the extensive filming and post-production process for such a large-scale project within the remaining timeframe, especially as "Avengers: Doomsday" promotional activities ramp up from late November. Mackie will have a narrow window between concluding his Broadway performances and beginning "Secret Wars" filming. A potential upside to the delayed schedule is that filming in 2027 could allow Marvel to incorporate audience reactions to "Avengers: Doomsday," which is set to premiere on December 18.
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo recently teased that "Avengers: Doomsday" will feature "a very surprising ending" and maintain a "focused propulsive narrative," despite being one of the studio's longer films.