The highly anticipated second season of Citadel, the action-packed spy thriller produced by Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO, has encountered a significant delay. Originally set for a fall 2025 release, the next installment of the series is now expected to premiere in spring 2026. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, this decision stems from Amazon MGM’s dissatisfaction with the material they have seen so far. Although the studio has not made an official statement regarding the delay, sources indicate that more time is being allocated to refine the creative aspects of the show.
Amazon MGM’s Concerns and the Need for Adjustments
Reports suggest that Amazon MGM is not entirely pleased with the footage from Season 2, prompting executives to extend the timeline for its release. While the studio has remained silent on the specifics, insiders claim that the creative direction of the season requires significant reworking. This delay may involve reshoots, post-production enhancements, or even script modifications to ensure the show meets the high expectations set by its ambitious premise.
The delay raises questions about the future of the Citadel franchise, which was conceived as an interconnected global storytelling experiment. The show, featuring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as elite spies, was designed to expand with international spin-offs in different languages, targeting specific regional audiences. However, the development of these spin-offs is now on hold, pending the success of Citadel Season 2.
Impact on the Citadel Spin-Offs
The Citadel universe has already branched out with international adaptations such as Citadel: Diana for Italy and Citadel: Honey Bunny for India. These regional spin-offs have performed well in their respective markets, demonstrating the potential of the franchise to resonate with global audiences. Despite this success, the fate of these spin-offs remains uncertain. Industry insiders suggest that Amazon MGM is waiting to see how Season 2 of the main series performs before moving forward with additional projects.
With the franchise’s future tied to the performance of its sophomore season, the extended delay could have long-term implications. If Season 2 underperforms despite the additional time and resources being invested, Amazon MGM might reconsider its investment in the global storytelling model. On the other hand, if the revised version succeeds in capturing audiences, it could reinvigorate the entire Citadel brand.
Production and Filming Timeline
Production for Citadel Season 2 officially wrapped in late November 2024, with principal photography taking place across the UK. Both Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden were spotted filming action-packed sequences in various locations, fueling anticipation among fans. However, with the unexpected delay, viewers will now have to wait until 2026 to witness the next chapter of the high-stakes espionage drama.
The extended post-production timeline suggests that Amazon MGM, and AGBO are committed to refining the series to meet expectations. Whether this involves enhancing visual effects, reworking key plot points, or improving character arcs remains unclear. However, the delay is intended to ensure that the final product aligns with the high standards set by the first season.
The Russo Brothers’ Busy Schedule and Marvel Commitments
One of the key factors influencing the Citadel delay may be the packed schedule of executive producers Joe and Anthony Russo. The renowned director duo is currently occupied with Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, two of the most highly anticipated films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to bring back Robert Downey Jr. alongside a host of other returning heroes, is slated for release on May 1, 2026. Following closely, Avengers: Secret Wars is scheduled to hit theaters on May 7, 2027. Given their commitment to these massive projects, it remains uncertain how much direct involvement the Russo Brothers will have in shaping Citadel Season 2.
Their dedication to the Marvel franchise may have contributed to the need for additional time and resources to perfect Citadel. While they have trusted teams overseeing the spy series, their hands-on approach in the MCU could mean limited availability for direct intervention in Citadel’s production process.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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