Is the Marvel Cinematic Universe truly where the real saving happens, or is there a secret Kryptonite when it comes to equal representation? As Marvel reshuffles its deck for a much-hyped 2026 roster, fans are suiting up with questions about female-led superhero projects still feeling like a rare Infinity Stone. The studio has launched some powerhouse heroines and villains in the past, but fans believe some kind of cosmic force keeps them from headlining the action. Is it an oversight or is there an unspoken multiversal rule keeping them in the shadows? The fans cannot stop questioning and the debate looks far from an endgame.

An X user recently reposted Culture Crave’s compilation poster of the 7 Marvel Cinematic Projects scheduled to release in 2026—Spider-Man Four, Avengers: Doomsday, Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, Punisher Vision, X-Men ‘97 Season 2, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. However, the share was not about bringing attention to the Marvel roster's anticipated projects. It was to poke fun at the studio’s decision to steer clear of female-centric superhero projects after The Marvels fell flat at the box office.

For those uninitiated about The Marvels, it was the 33rd Marvel Cinematic Universal flick starring Brie Larson as Carol Denvers/Captain Marvel. However, it was a box-office bomb, grossing only $206 million globally against a budget of $374 million. The Marvels was the least lucrative film in the MCU, and among the select few that could not break even in its theatrical lap.

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After the Marvel misfire, fans suspect if not entirely believe the studio has hit pause on women-led projects, leaving them to rally for more while mourning the ones that might never be.

Marvel Studios is ready to pack a punch this year through 2026. But before the next trip round the sun, the comic geeks are ensuring their voices are heard loud enough. Though the Marvel Cinematic Universe has encountered quite some skepticism over its lackluster releases, The Marvels is not the only one who should carry that burden nor the females. While some are split about the suspicion, the others cannot help but agree.

A few fans stood in opposition of the opinion, but the user doubled down, stressing how most of the projects mentioned are in the pre-The Marvels era except, of course, Agatha All Along.

Meanwhile, some fans thought it was probably the best way to go, giving storytelling the edge over diversity and equivalent representation. Many argued that the new writers’ lack of know-how in crafting female-led stories was the real villain. However, not everyone was rooting for more women-led comic projects, insisting the genre remains a boys' club at its core.

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Do you think there is a lack of women-centric projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? What do you think of the 2026 lineup? Let us know in the comments below!