Marvel fans are currently talking about Doctor Strange, which is already out in the UK and hitting theaters in the United States in just under a weeks time on November 4th. It will be the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, capping off a successful 2016. But it also caps off the final year of only two Marvel films a year.
Starting next year, MCU fans will be treated to three films a year. 2017 will see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 on May 5, 2017, Spider-Man: Homecoming on July 7, 2017 and finally Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. All three films have wrapped on principal photography already, and each of those films are already gaining their fair amount of buzz with Marvel being in the spotlight thanks to Doctor Strange.
With the release of Doctor Strange, fans also know they will be getting to see their first look at the Guardians of the Galaxy sequel. Last week director James Gunn released a teaser trailer for his new film. It is not yet known if this will be the trailer attached to Doctor Strange or if we will get a full length trailer. But one thing is for certain: we have our first look at Star-Lord and the gang already, and a full length trailer is coming very soon. You can check out the teaser below.
The release of this trailer is just over six months before the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 hits theaters. If the full trailer does not drop on November 4th, I would imagine it would not be too long after that. Marvel typically gives fans roughly six months before the release of a film to enjoy the first trailer.
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So that leads us to the key question of this piece, when can fans expect to see their first look at Spider-Man: Homecoming? Back at Comic Con, Marvel did give fans in attendance an early glimpse of Tom Holland and the cast of Homecoming when they showed some early footage. Since then, the film has wrapped production, meaning it is done with filming, and on to the special effects.
Initially I had hopes that Marvel would double down and give us a glimpse of not only Guardians with Doctor Strange, but also Spider-Man. Unfortunately, there has been no word of that coming to fruition. Given the film is already out in the UK, and no reports of a Spidey trailer hitting, I think those hopes can be squashed.
So that brings us back to the six month rule. Spider-Man will be hitting theaters about two months after Guardians 2. So let’s fast forward ahead about two months. That puts us right around holiday time, with Christmas and New Years being prime time territory. Now while opening the New Year right with the release of a Spider-Man trailer, I think fans will be given an early present.
The big movie of December is going to be Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which is likely to break a ton of box office records. That film is set for a December 16, 2016 release date. And it just so happens Disney owns both Star Wars and Marvel. So why wouldn’t they release the trailer for one of their most iconic characters with a film that is going to be viewed by millions of people? It just makes too much sense.
By releasing the trailer in mid-December, it also sets things up for the second trailer to possibly drop during another major event in February. Super Bowl LI will take place on February 5, 2017, and that is a date that several big name movie trailers will be released. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is almost a lock for a new trailer that day, and that could also be the debut of the first Thor: Ragnarok trailer. So while Spidey may be left out of the football fun, having his first trailer come with Rogue One does give Marvel the flexibility to drop trailer two then if they want.
So do not worry Marvel fans, after we take in Doctor Strange in November, we likely will be treated to a Spider-Man trailer before the new year. If a Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer does not come before Rogue One, circle your calendar for December 16. I would be extremely surprised if Marvel did not give us that treat when the next Star Wars film hits.