In a surprising announcement, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed on the company's fiscal second-quarter earnings call that Disney is planning to reevaluate its approach to Marvel Studios, with a focus on reducing output and increasing quality. This decision comes as a departure from the previous strategy of increasing volume.

Iger stated that the goal is to decrease the number of Marvel TV series from four to two per year, and reduce film output from four to two or a maximum of three per year. This shift is expected to be felt in future years, while this year's slate, which includes highly anticipated films like Deadpool & Wolverine, will remain unaffected.

"We've been working hard to reduce output and focus more on quality, particularly true with Marvel," Iger explained. He also expressed excitement for the upcoming films in 2025, as well as the future Avengers projects, including the highly anticipated Avengers: The Kang Dynasty slated for 2026.

The decision to decrease the quantity of Marvel content reflects Disney's intention to make these films and TV shows more of an event, rather than a quarterly obligation. Iger affirmed his confidence in the Marvel team and the intellectual property they are working with, including the numerous sequels in development.

The news of Disney's plan to shift the Marvel strategy comes amidst discussions about the future of the franchise, prompted by a string of recent underperforming films. The move to focus on fewer releases indicates a desire to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that each Marvel project becomes a highly anticipated event for fans.

Overall, Iger expressed optimism about the Marvel slate, as Disney looks to strike the right balance between meeting audience expectations and delivering exceptional content. The decision to reevaluate and reduce output in the Marvel franchise is a strategic move by Disney to sustain the enduring success of one of its most valuable properties.