When Disney Plus launched in 2019, the anticipation was high. It provided a single platform to stream all our favorite Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Marvel movies. Marvel slowly released its catalog of Marvel Cinematic Universe films on Disney Plus, and it became the permanent home for the entire Infinity Saga. However, the release schedule for these films became inconsistent over time. To satisfy the curiosity of neurotic fans like myself, I have ranked the films based on how long it took for them to debut on Disney Plus. Let’s dive into the list:
1. Black Widow (0 days)
Theatrical debut: N/A
Disney Plus release: July 9/Oct 6, 2022
Black Widow, the first film in the Multiverse Saga and Scarlett Johansson’s first solo film as Natasha Romanoff, faced a unique release situation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t have a theatrical release and was exclusively available for rent on Disney Plus. It became available for free streaming on October 6, 89 days after its theatrical release. Unfortunately, this led to a legal dispute between Johansson and Disney, leaving both parties disappointed.
2. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (47 days)
Theatrical debut: May 6, 2022
Disney Plus release: June 22, 2022
Doctor Strange’s second solo film, part of the Multiverse Saga, had the quickest release on Disney Plus. It premiered in theaters on May 6, 2022, and arrived on Disney Plus just 47 days later, on June 22. This set a hopeful precedent for future releases, but it didn’t last.
3. Thor: Love and Thunder (62 days)
Theatrical debut: July 8, 2022
Disney Plus release: Sept. 8, 2022
Thor’s fourth film took 62 days to debut on Disney Plus after its theatrical release on July 8, 2022. Unlike previous releases, it arrived on Disney Plus on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, as a celebration of Disney Plus Day.
4. Eternals (68 days)
Theatrical debut: Nov. 5, 2021
Disney Plus release: Jan. 12, 2022
Chloé Zhao’s MCU directorial debut, Eternals, received mixed reviews but took only 68 days to release on Disney Plus. After its theatrical debut on Nov. 5, 2021, it became available for streaming on Disney Plus on Jan. 12, 2022.
5. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (70 days)
Theatrical debut: Sept. 3, 2021
Disney Plus release: Nov. 12, 2021
Shang-Chi became the first MCU film to fully embrace Disney Plus after the fallout with Black Widow. It premiered in theaters on Sept. 3, 2021, and arrived on Disney Plus 70 days later, on Nov. 12, coinciding with the streamer’s two-year anniversary.
6. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (82 days)
Theatrical debut: Nov. 11, 2022
Disney Plus release: Feb. 1, 2023
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever deviated from previous releases by taking the longest time to debut on Disney Plus. It arrived on the platform after 82 days, on Feb. 1, 2023. The delay was speculated to be due to its release on the first day of Black History Month.
7. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (89 days)
Theatrical debut: Feb 17, 2023
Disney Plus release: May 17, 2023
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania faced speculation and controversy surrounding the assault allegations against Jonathan Majors. This might have contributed to the film taking 89 days to debut on Disney Plus. It released on May 17, 2023, after its theatrical debut.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (89 days)
Theatrical debut: May 5, 2023
Disney Plus release: Aug. 2, 2023
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 followed the trend of 89 days for its Disney Plus release. It premiered in theaters on May 5, 2023, and arrived on Disney Plus on Aug. 2, 2023. By this point, fans had accepted this as the new normal for Disney Plus releases.
9. The Marvels (TBD – but probably 89 days)
Theatrical debut: Nov. 10, 2023
Disney Plus release: TBD
It’s too early to determine when The Marvels will release on Disney Plus, but based on the pattern, it will likely be around 89 days after its theatrical debut. We predict it will arrive on Disney Plus on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
10. Spider-Man: No Way Home (TBD)
Theatrical debut: Dec. 17, 2021
Disney Plus release: TBD
The Spider-Man films have a different distribution arrangement due to Sony’s involvement. The release of Spider-Man: Homecoming on Disney Plus came six years after its theatrical debut, following a contractual agreement between Sony and Marvel. We don’t have a definite timeline for when No Way Home will debut on Disney Plus.
In conclusion, the release schedules for Marvel films on Disney Plus have varied over time. While some films debuted quickly, others took longer to arrive on the streaming platform. The pattern of 89 days for Disney Plus releases seemed to be established with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and subsequent releases followed suit. However, the Spider-Man films operate under a separate arrangement, making their Disney Plus release dates uncertain.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
