‘The Marvels’ failed so hard it might’ve killed off Disney Plus plans as Scarlett Johansson’s MCU comeback takes shape

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As anticipation mounts for the release of “Deadpool 3,” poised to dominate the summer box office, the aftermath of the last Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment, “The Marvels,” lingers ominously. Regrettably, the film etched its name in infamy as the lowest-performing MCU entry to date, potentially dealing a fatal blow to plans for a spinoff.

Among the casualties of “The Marvels” debacle is the reported cancellation of the Monica Rambeau series, a project poised to explore the character’s narrative trajectory in the wake of the film’s underwhelming reception. The revelation comes amidst speculation fueled by the film’s post-credits scene, a standout moment featuring Kelsey Grammer’s return as Beast. Notably, it was Teyonah Parris’s Monica Rambeau, not Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, who found herself entangled in the X-Men’s universe, hinting at narrative avenues left unexplored. Alas, whispers suggest that plans for a Photon series destined for Disney Plus have been unceremoniously shelved, leaving Monica’s fate uncertain.

Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson, fresh from her MCU stint in “Black Widow,” is poised for a return, albeit from behind the scenes. Reports hint at her involvement in an upcoming Disney Plus series, marking her transition to a producer role within the MCU. Details regarding the nature of this enigmatic project have remained elusive, sparking speculation about its potential ties to the Black Widow universe and the tantalizing possibility of a Thunderbolts follow-up.

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In a separate development, the eagerly anticipated Blade reboot continues to linger on the horizon, with Mahershala Ali poised to assume the iconic role. However, the journey to fruition has been fraught with delays, prompting uncertainty among fans. While the film’s slated release in November 2025 hangs in the balance, rumors swirl regarding Wesley Snipes’s potential return to the role, adding a layer of intrigue to the already convoluted Multiverse Saga narrative. Ali’s impending debut as Blade hangs in the balance, reminiscent of a waiting game akin to Tom Holland’s delayed emergence as Spider-Man prior to Tobey Maguire’s unexpected return.

Amidst the uncertainty, fans are left to ponder the perplexing state of affairs within the MCU, raising questions about the underlying dynamics steering its future trajectory. As the saga unfolds, the fate of beloved characters and the promise of new narratives hang precariously in the balance, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Marvel’s ever-expanding universe.