Disney adjusts Marvel slate after the actors strike wrap
Disney has reshuffled the release calendar for several high profile Marvel projects, including Deadpool 3 and Blade, in the wake of the recent actors’ strike. The changes were reported by Reuters and reflect the studio’s plan to synchronize production milestones with post-strike schedules across the United States and Canada. The move signals Disney’s intent to keep blockbuster timelines on track while allowing time for final polish and promotional planning in a crowded release window.
Initially, Deadpool 3 was slated to debut in May 2023. The new plan pushes the Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman-led film toward a late July window. The shift places the film in a summer frame that historically draws strong audience turnout in both the U.S. and Canada, where fans eagerly anticipate the return of the merc with a mouth alongside the fan-favorite form of Wolverine as introduced in the comics. The adjusted date also aligns with the broader Marvel strategy of spacing major entries to maximize visibility and box office potential amid competing summer releases.
Alongside Deadpool 3, the film Captain America: Brave New World has received a revised release date, now scheduled for February 2025. This move creates a more even cadence within the Marvel slate and helps teams coordinate cross-promotional campaigns, merchandise, and potential companion content for the streaming and home entertainment phases across North American markets.
Another notable adjustment places Blade, the vampire hunter saga, in November 2025. This scheduling decision extends the timeline for post-production refinements and marketing buildup, giving the project a tailored release window that can capitalize on seasonal demand in North America when audiences look for darker, action-oriented superhero storytelling.
Thunderbolts, a film set to bring together a diverse group of antiheroes and heroes, is now slated for July 2025. The refreshed timing aims to balance the ensemble nature of the project with the broader market cadence, ensuring a steady stream of superhero cinema across the summer season for North American audiences and fans in Canada who follow Marvel’s evolving character roster with keen interest.
On July 10, a behind-the-camera moment emerged when Hugh Jackman shared a still from the Deadpool trilogy’s production. The image features Jackman returning to the iconic Wolverine persona, sporting the classic yellow-and-blue costume that fans recognize from the comics. While the suit had not appeared in recent films, it signals a nod to source material and a potential visual throughline for Deadpool 3 that could resonate strongly with comic book fans in the region.
Earlier updates included chatter about Channing Tatum potentially joining Deadpool 3. Reports noted that his name appeared among the Deadpool 3 crew listings on the IMDb site, fueling speculation about a cameo or a supporting role. As with many large-scale productions, casting rumors circulate, but studio announcements typically confirm such details closer to principal photography milestones or promotional cycles. In the North American market, fans follow these developments with heightened interest due to the franchise’s Stateside roots and ongoing cross-media marketing efforts.
There was also a moment of miscommunication when Universal briefly hinted at a Shrek release date, illustrating how even major studios must navigate global release windows and the fast-moving nature of entertainment scheduling. In practice, Disney’s Marvel lineup remains the primary focus for the stated windows, with fans in the United States and Canada tracking the trajectory of each project as it approaches production milestones and ultimately rolls into theaters. The strategic adjustments underscore the studio’s careful planning to align star commitments, visual effects pipelines, and international distribution strategies across North American markets.
Industry observers in North America note that the adjusted schedule could influence related merchandising campaigns, media appearances, and premiere events. In Canada and the United States, fans often respond to release-date news with heightened anticipation, creating opportunities for coordinated marketing pushes, fan events, and cross-promotional activities that maximize box office reception while supporting home entertainment and streaming windows after the theatrical run. As the year advances, observers expect further refinements as production teams finalize cuts, test screenings, and creative decisions that shape the final balance of humor, action, and character arcs that fans have come to expect from Marvel’s evolving slate.