How Far Ahead Does Marvel Plan Their Movies?

Motion Picture Corporation Marvel Studios typically plans their movie slate several years in advance. As of August 2023, they had announced films and series through 2026, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) roadmap often extending further into the future. This long-term planning includes not just release dates but also general story arcs and character developments.

Long-Term Planning Strategy

M$this content continues to be a dynamic process. Just like in 2015 when Kevin Feige introduced Phase 3 of Marvel movies, the titles, and storylines of many films have been subject to changes. Captain America: Serpent Society, originally planned to be part of Phase 3, later became Captain America: Civil War. Similarly, the subtitles for Avengers: Infinity War Parts 1 and 2 were changed, and the production of Inhumans was ultimately cancelled. These examples illustrate that while Marvel has a vision several years ahead, the specifics can and do change based on audience reactions, box office performance, and broader market trends.

Current MC$ and Future Plans

The current Marvel phase 3 plans stretch out to as long as 2019. They plan most of their movies years in advance, but the exact details are not always finalized until closer to the release date. For instance, the movies released in 2017 and 2018 were planned well before their release, but the actual shooting and scripting began about a year before. This strategy allows Marvel to be flexible and responsive to changes in the market and audience preferences.

Production and Scripting Timeline

MARVEL has a specific timeline for their movie production and scripting process. According to Kevin Feige, most of their films are planned many years in advance, but the actual production starts about a year before the release date. The scripts are generally not made until 1-2 years before the release. For example, the scripting and production for Avengers: Endgame, which was released in 2019, began approximately 2 years in advance.

Announcements and Uncertainties

MARVEL often reveals its upcoming projects during major events like San Diego Comic-Con or Disney's D23 Expo, giving fans a glimpse into their long-term vision. However, there is always an element of uncertainty in the planning process. For instance, the inclusion of Spider-Man in the MCU was subject to negotiations with Sony. The collaboration between Sony and Marvel led to delays and changes in the plans, meaning that Spider-Man films being part of the MCU flagship was not finalized until the very last moment.

In conclusion, while Marvel Studios has a strategic and extensive long-term planning process that typically involves several years, actual scripting and production begin around 1-2 years before the release date. The company is known for its responsiveness to market trends and audience feedback, leading to changes even as late as the scripting phase.