Disneyland is pulling the plug on its popular “Avengers Assemble” rooftop stunt show at Avengers Campus, with the final performance slated for April 5, 2025, sources confirmed Tuesday. The move has left Marvel fans reeling as the theme park giant shifts gears toward a massive expansion of its superhero-themed land at Disney California Adventure.
The high-octane show, a staple since Avengers Campus debuted in June 2021, featured Black Widow, Captain America, and Black Panther squaring off against the villainous Taskmaster in jaw-dropping rooftop battles. Performers, paid a hefty $40.48 an hour according to the Orange County Register, brought Marvel’s cinematic flair to life, drawing crowds eager for live-action thrills near Pym Test Kitchen.
But now, Disneyland is trading stuntmen for simulators. The cancellation aligns with plans to double the size of Avengers Campus, ushering in two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense, a dark ride whisking guests to Asgard and Wakanda, and Stark Flight Lab, a Tony Stark-inspired flight simulator with robotic arms. Construction kicked off in January 2025 after the Timon parking lot was shuttered, signaling big changes ahead.
Disney brass unveiled the expansion at the D23 fan event in August 2024, with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his Iron Man role to hype the upgrades. Yet, the decision to axe “Avengers Assemble” follows a string of entertainment cuts, including Doctor Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts in June 2024 and The Amazing Spider-Man stunt performers last November. Even the Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special wrapped up in January, raising eyebrows among park-goers.
Insiders suggest the move could be a cost-cutting play—live performances don’t come cheap in a cutthroat theme park market. The multi-million-dollar expansion aims to lure bigger crowds, but at what price? Stunt performers face an uncertain future, and some wonder if Disney’s betting too big on gadgets over human talent.
Across the globe, Disney’s approach varies. Disneyland Paris boasts Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, a roller coaster, while Hong Kong Disneyland is cooking up its own Stark Expo. California’s shift from live shows to rides marks a stark contrast, fueling debate over the future of theme park entertainment.
As April 5 nears, fans are gearing up for one last showdown with Taskmaster. Whether Disneyland’s gamble pays off remains to be seen, but for now, the rooftop will fall silent—replaced by the hum of construction and the promise of a new Marvel era.
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