Summary:
- Armor Wars was initially announced as a Disney+ series in 2020 but was later reworked into a film.
- Delays due to Secret Invasion backlash, production changes, and Marvel’s shifting priorities have left the project in limbo.
- While not officially canceled, Armor Wars remains on hold with no confirmed production start or release date.
Is Armor Wars Still Happening in the MCU?
Announced in 2020, Armor Wars was set to bring Don Cheadle’s War Machine into the spotlight after years as a supporting character. Originally planned as a Disney+ series, the project was later upgraded to a full-length movie. However, multiple delays and Marvel Studios’ evolving priorities have cast doubt on whether the film will ever make it to theaters.
Why Was Armor Wars Originally Announced?
Armor Wars was first introduced by Kevin Feige at Disney’s Investor Day in December 2020 as a six-episode Disney+ series. The story was set to explore what happens when Tony Stark’s technology falls into the wrong hands, placing Rhodey at the center of protecting his fallen friend’s legacy.
In August 2021, Yassir Lester was appointed as head writer, signaling early development. By late 2022, however, Marvel made the decision to shift Armor Wars from a streaming series to a feature-length film. Nate Moore, Marvel Studios VP, explained that the concept was “too big” for television, requiring a theatrical scale to do it justice.
What Happened to Armor Wars After Secret Invasion?
In 2023, Marvel released Secret Invasion, where it was revealed that James Rhodes had been replaced by a Skrull named Raava. This twist raised questions about how long Rhodey had been a prisoner and what implications it had for Armor Wars. However, the series was poorly received, with a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score, and Marvel reportedly reworked the script to adjust for fan backlash.
In October 2024, Yassir Lester addressed the delays, confirming that “everything’s still in development,” likening its uncertain status to the on-and-off production cycle of Blade. Don Cheadle himself seemed unsure, joking in an interview that he had no idea what was happening with the project.
READ MORE: Seth Rogen Reveals Real-Life Stories Behind Apple TV+ Hit The Studio
Is Armor Wars Canceled or Just on Hold?
While Armor Wars has not been officially canceled, insiders suggest it is currently on hold. In January 2025, scoopers like Daniel Richtman reported that the movie was “reworking its storyline” and might not move forward until after Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
Marvel Studios executive Nate Moore later stated that while the film hadn’t been scrapped, they were slowing down production to focus on quality.
Could Armor Wars Release After Ironheart?
Another potential factor in the delay is Disney+’s Ironheart. Starring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, the series is set to explore Stark’s technological legacy. Ironheart was originally expected to debut in 2023 but faced multiple delays, now scheduled for June 2025.
Many believe that Armor Wars and Ironheart are closely connected, meaning Marvel may be holding off on Armor Wars to ensure it follows the events of Ironheart. If true, this could mean a post-2027 release date at the earliest.
READ MORE: How to Take Down Guardian Fulgur Anjanath Like a Pro in Monster Hunter Wilds
Where Else Could War Machine Appear in the MCU?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Armor Wars, Don Cheadle’s War Machine could still appear in upcoming MCU projects:
- Avengers: Doomsday (2026) – While not confirmed, Rhodey may have a role, especially if Tony Stark’s legacy is involved.
- Ironheart (2025) – If Armor Wars is connected to Ironheart, Rhodey could appear as a mentor figure to Riri Williams.
Production Timeline: A Look at the Delays
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 10, 2020 | Armor Wars announced as a Disney+ series. |
| August 2021 | Yassir Lester hired as head writer. |
| July 2022 | No Armor Wars news at SDCC; Lester reassures fans. |
| September 29, 2022 | Marvel Studios shifts project from series to film. |
| June 2023 | Secret Invasion reveals Rhodey was a Skrull. |
| October 2024 | Yassir Lester confirms project is still in development. |
| January 2025 | Insiders claim the film is “on hold, not canceled.” |
| April 2025 | No updates from Marvel, leaving Armor Wars in limbo. |
Production Timeline:
- December 10, 2020: Initial Announcement
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige unveiled Armor Wars during Disney’s Investor Day as a Disney+ series. Don Cheadle was confirmed to reprise his role as Rhodey, with the story adapting the 1987-1988 Iron Man comic arc by David Michelinie and Bob Layton. The premise centered on Tony Stark’s tech falling into the wrong hands, reimagined in the MCU with Rhodey protecting Stark’s legacy post-Avengers: Endgame. No release date was set, but it was positioned as part of Phase 4 or 5.
- August 2021: Head Writer Appointed
Yassir Lester, known for Black Monday, was hired as head writer, signaling active development. No director was attached, and filming details remained sparse.
- Early 2022: Filming Rumors
Reports suggested production might begin in late 2022 (October/November) in Atlanta, per outlets like Cosmic Circus and producer Jenna Berger. This hinted at a potential Disney+ debut in late 2023 or early 2024, assuming a typical four-month shoot plus post-production.
- July 2022: Reassurance Amid Silence
After Armor Wars was absent from Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con Phase 5 slate, Lester reassured fans via social media that it wasn’t canceled, though no timeline was clarified.
- September 29, 2022: Shift to Feature Film
The Hollywood Reporter broke news that Armor Wars was being redeveloped as a theatrical movie instead of a series. Lester stayed on as writer, and Marvel cited a desire to tell the story “the right way” on a larger scale. A D23 Expo logo reveal earlier that month had teased the question, “What happens if Tony Stark’s tech falls into the wrong hands?” No release slot was assigned, but it was speculated for Phase 6.
- 2023: Secret Invasion Impact and Stagnation
Secret Invasion (June 2023) revealed Rhodey had been impersonated by a Skrull (Raava) for an unspecified time, setting up potential Armor Wars plot points—like his rescue and reclaiming his identity. However, the series’ poor reception (critically the lowest-rated MCU project) and ambiguity about Rhodey’s timeline stalled momentum. Cheadle’s cameo in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) earned him an Emmy nod, but no Armor Wars updates followed. The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes further delayed MCU projects, including this one.
- May 22, 2024: Brief Hope
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Armor Wars was back on Marvel’s schedule, with filming planned for early 2025 at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia. This suggested a possible 2026 release, but no official confirmation from Marvel followed.
- October 2024: Cheadle’s Uncertainty
In a TVLine interview tied to Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, Cheadle gave a vague update: “You can find out and let me know… I’m not sure where anything is right now. I think things are going through a lot of changes.” He hinted the Skrull twist might tie into Armor Wars “if the following thing happens,” but offered no concrete progress. Lester, in a MovieWeb interview, likened its development to Blade’s stop-start cycle, saying it “happens every few months, then it won’t happen.”
- January 2025: Cancellation Rumors Intensify
Scooper Daniel Richtman (via Patreon) reported Armor Wars was “on hold, not canceled,” with Marvel reworking it post-Secret Invasion backlash. He suggested it might shift focus entirely and likely wouldn’t arrive until after Avengers: Secret Wars (May 7, 2027). However, X posts and outlets like Beyond Reporter claimed it was “scrapped,” though without Marvel’s confirmation. ComicBookMovie.com cited a source calling it “as good as dead,” amplifying speculation.
- March 30, 2025: Ongoing Limbo
The Direct questioned Armor Wars’ status, noting its absence from Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday (May 1, 2026) cast reveal. Cheadle’s lack of involvement in that livestream fueled doubts, though his reaction to Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom role suggested he’s still engaged with the MCU.
- April 2, 2025: Current State
As of today, no official production start, cast beyond Cheadle, or release date has been confirmed. The last semi-official update (May 2024) is unverified, and Marvel’s silence persists.
READ MORE: What Are Critics Saying About The Minecraft Movie?
Will Armor Wars Ever Be Released?
At this point, Armor Wars is not officially canceled, but it remains one of Marvel’s most uncertain projects. While some rumors claim it’s dead, Marvel insiders suggest the studio is simply reworking the story and waiting for the right time to move forward. Unless Marvel makes it a priority, fans shouldn’t expect Armor Wars before 2027 or later.
Source: The Direct
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
