One of the biggest events of the year for Marvel fans is San Diego Comic Con, which is often the place where Marvel gives us an insight into some upcoming films and shows coming from the comic book studio.

In the past, Marvel Studios has had major presentations that see Kevin Feige reveal upcoming projects heading to cinemas and Disney+, while also giving us a sneak peek at trailers and clips from the latest films and shows.  Plus, many of the stars of these projects take to the stage to promote their latest shows and films.

Unfortunately, Marvel Studios has confirmed it won’t be hosting a main presentation in Hall H this year.  However, Marvel is still going to be holding smaller panels and events for its comic books and video games at the event, plus there will be a booth to promote the new movie, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, which comes out in cinemas that same week. 

It’s not uncommon for Marvel Studios to skip SDCC, and this year, it does make sense why they might have chosen to do so.  Hosting a major panel in Hall H and flying in numerous big stars for the presentation does cost a significant amount of money.    They have previously skipped major presentations at SDCC in 2011, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023. Though some of those were impacted by the pandemic and writers’/actors’ strikes.

Usually, these SDCC Hall H panels promote the upcoming slate of films and shows; however, since there are no major Marvel Studios releases before next year’s SDCC event, Marvel doesn’t have much it can promote.  Both “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “Avengers: Doomsday” are both set to be released in cinemas after next year’s event, with “Doomsday” currently in production and the next “Spider-Man” film isn’t due to begin filming until later this summer.

While there are a few Marvel Studios projects set to be released on Disney+ in the next year, “Wonder Man” in December and the second season of “Daredevil: Born Again” next March, along with the animated projects “Eyes Of Wakanda”, “Marvel Zombies” and the seconds seasons of “X-Men ’97” and “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”. It seems Marvel doesn’t think these projects warrant an SDCC Hall H panel, especially if they can’t match up to previous events.  Additionally, Disney has significantly reduced its advertising budget for Disney+ shows.

Roger’s Take:  When Marvel Studios goes to SDCC, it usually delivers lots of major news and teases of what’s to come.  Unfortunately, Marvel Studios isn’t in that place right now as it looks to wrap up the “Multiverse Saga” with two “Avengers” movies.  The drastic reduction in the amount of content being released, plus trying to keep costs down, it makes total sense as to why Marvel Studios is sitting out this year’s event.

It’ll be interesting if Marvel returns to SDCC in 2026, since Disney will likely once again host a D23 event around the same time and will Marvel want to give away all of its “Avengers: Doomsday” secrets, but with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” coming out just days after next year’s event, Sony might use the event as a last minute advertising campaign. 

What do you think of Marvel skipping SDCC this year?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

View all posts