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Credit: Marvel StudiosThe Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t exactly in its prime right now, but it looks like Marvel Studios has its eye on a potential solution as it looks to steady a franchise facing mounting scrutiny from fans and critics alike.
In recent years, the MCU has faced mounting backlash over uneven storytelling and declining cultural impact. Films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and The Marvels (2023) were criticized for weak scripts, poor CGI (the less we talk about M.O.D.O.K., the better), and tonal inconsistency, with the latter serving as the studio’s biggest flop to date.
Meanwhile, many fans have grown tired of its slew of Disney+ projects, with entries such as Secret Invasion and Echo struggling to connect with viewers in particular.
In Marvel’s defense, not every release has stumbled. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) earned strong reviews and respectable box office results, while both Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) broke the $1 billion mark at the box office, proving Marvel is still capable of delivering critical hits. However, isolated successes have not reversed the perception that Marvel can no longer succeed solely off the back of its rep and logo.
That shift became clearer when both the long-awaited The Fantastic Four: The First Steps (2025) and Thunderbolts* (2025) underperformed commercially this year, despite generally favorable reviews. For the first time, positive critical reception alone has not translated into blockbuster-level audience turnout.
Fans Continue to Criticize ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Marvel’s immediate future now hinges heavily on Avengers: Doomsday (2026), a project already dividing fans online.
Criticism began back when the studio confirmed the return of Robert Downey Jr. – not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom, for a paycheck said to sit north of $80 million – alongside the comeback of directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo.
He will be joined by stars such as Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Simu Liu as (Shang-Chi), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier), and Ian McKellen (Magneto).
As confirmed by a new teaser trailer released earlier this month in front of Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025), the film will also see the return of Steve Rogers, once again portrayed by Chris Evans.
Many have taken these moves as signs that Marvel is desperate to recapture the emotional resonance and box office dominance associated with Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Marvel’s peak Infinity Saga era.
That strategy has not impressed everyone. Some fans argue that revisiting Steve Rogers undermines one of the MCU’s most complete character arcs, which concluded decisively in Endgame. Others see the reliance on legacy characters and familiar creatives as a sign of creative insecurity.
Marvel’s New Strategy: Jordan Peele
With so much riding on a single Avengers event, Marvel appears to be hedging its bets by exploring new high-profile collaborators.
A recent rumor suggests the studio is considering acclaimed filmmaker Jordan Peele – the comedian-turned-director responsible for Get Out (2017), Us (2019), and Nope (2022) – for a future Marvel Cinematic Universe project.
The rumor, shared by insider Daniel Richtman, did not specify a title. Separately, journalist Jeff Sneider reported on The Hot Mic podcast that Peele previously met with Marvel to discuss directing the MCU’s X-Men reboot.
Marvel Studios is reportedly looking at Jordan Peele to direct one of their upcoming movies.
Which Marvel film would you want him to direct?
(Via: Daniel RPK) pic.twitter.com/P1tygA67lU
— Inside Fandom (@InsideFandom) December 28, 2025
That reboot ultimately went to Jake Schreier, who directed Thunderbolts*. However, Peele’s involvement sparked speculation about other possible fits.
Many fans believe his Oscar-winning background in socially driven horror could align naturally with Marvel’s long-delayed Blade reboot. Blade is thought to technically remain in development, but has been removed from Marvel’s release calendar after years of behind-the-scenes issues with getting the project off the ground.
Given its repeated delays, any potential Jordan Peele involvement would likely be part of a longer-term effort to restore confidence in the MCU’s creative direction.
Since the rumors emerged, Peele’s production company has added fuel to the flames with a cryptic repost on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Monkeypaw Productions (@Monkeypaw) December 29, 2025
Whether or not this means Peele is officially in line for an MCU entry remains to be seen. However, considering some of the criticism thrown Marvel’s way in recent years – and considering Peele’s own prestigious reputation in the industry over the past decade – this could be exactly what the studio needs to get back on its feet.
Would you like to see Jordan Peele direct a film in the MCU?