The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a cultural juggernaut for over a decade, but after the highs of Avengers: Endgame, things haven’t quite been the same. While some fans argue that the franchise needs a fresh start, others believe a full reboot would be a mistake. The debate is heating up, especially with the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars potentially reshaping the MCU in 2027.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
Since the conclusion of the Infinity Saga in 2019, the MCU has struggled to maintain the same level of fan enthusiasm. Box office numbers remain strong, but recent films haven’t had the same cultural impact.
The latest release, Captain America: Brave New World, hit theaters on February 14, 2025, and received mixed reviews. Critics gave it a respectable 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences were far less enthusiastic, scoring it at just 49%. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to arrive in July 2025, many are wondering whether it can bring the MCU back to its former glory.
Some fans and industry insiders have suggested that Marvel Studios should consider rebooting the entire cinematic universe. Others, however, think that would be a step too far.
“A Full Reboot Doesn’t Make Sense”
The idea of rebooting the MCU has been met with skepticism from both fans and those involved with the franchise. Marvel executive producer Brad Winderbaum addressed the speculation, calling a full reset “a very difficult thing to do to a living, breathing fictional universe.”
“It’s not just about the characters and stories,” Winderbaum explained. “Fans have invested years into this world, and that level of emotional connection is hard to rebuild from scratch.”
Many fans on social media agreed. One Reddit user, horc00, summed up the general sentiment: “The MCU should not reboot just because its legacy characters are gone. They should continue to develop new characters instead.”
Others pointed out that comic books rarely rely on full reboots, and when they do, it doesn’t always go well. eBICgamer2010 noted, “The closest thing to a hard reboot I have ever seen in the comic was Ultimate Marvel to Ultimate Universe. And that’s it.”
What’s Next for the MCU?
Even if a complete reset isn’t in the cards, many believe the MCU needs a new strategy.
One Reddit user, knowslesthanjonsnow, suggested a shift in focus: “The MCU would be smart to refocus its efforts on six to ten main characters and have them interact with each other and the ancillary characters both new and old, so the stories are tighter.”
Meanwhile, others think Marvel has already found a way to reset things naturally. Actual_Toyland_F pointed out that Deadpool & Wolverine, set for release in 2024, might hold some answers. “Whaddaya know, they’re taking their own advice from Deadpool and Wolverine,” they wrote, referencing the franchise’s self-aware nature.
Then there’s the wild card: Franklin Richards. Some fans think Marvel could introduce the Fantastic Four character, known for his universe-altering abilities, as a way to reboot the MCU without erasing everything that came before. “Just have Franklin Richards restart the universe so it’s a reboot but in-universe,” suggested thedjswivel.
The MCU’s Future Hinges on Avengers: Secret Wars
Regardless of whether a full reboot happens, it’s clear that Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027 will be a turning point. The film is expected to bring together characters from different Marvel timelines, and some believe it could serve as a “soft reboot,” restructuring the universe while keeping its history intact.
For now, Marvel fans will be watching closely to see how The Fantastic Four: First Steps performs when it hits theaters on July 25, 2025. If it’s a hit, it could restore faith in the MCU’s current direction. If not, the calls for a reboot may grow even louder.
