Every Marvel Release in 1986
Marvel released one title in 1986: Howard the Duck, about 1h 50m of viewing. It made $38 million worldwide. Here’s where it fits.
Every release this year came from outside the MCU: Howard the Duck.
| Release date | Title | Type | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 1, 1986 | Howard the Duck Not MCU | Film | 1h 50m |
Marvel in 1986
Howard the Duck opened on August 1, 1986, as the first theatrical release featuring a Marvel character since the 1944 Captain America serial. George Lucas executive produced, Willard Huyck directed, and Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins starred. The film cost an estimated $30 million to $37 million and grossed about $38 million worldwide. It was nominated for seven Golden Raspberry Awards and won four, including Worst Picture, though it has since built a cult following.
Off screen, 1986 changed Marvel's ownership. New World Pictures bought the company that year, and the combined business was incorporated as Marvel Entertainment Group in December. Howard eventually got a second chance. He has since made a few brief MCU appearances, voiced by Seth Green.
If you're watching the MCU and wondering where Howard fits now, he's strictly a background player. His MCU cameos add up to about a minute. The 1986 film, made by Universal under Lucas's company, isn't connected to any of that. It's worth a look as a piece of Marvel history, especially for the practical duck suit and the Dark Overlord creature effects in the last act.
Spoiler Spoilers for 1986 releases: tap to reveal
- Howard appears in the post-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), again in Vol. 2, and in the crowd of heroes during the final battle of Avengers: Endgame.
FAQ
Was Howard the Duck a flop?
Yes. It grossed about $38 million worldwide on a budget estimated at $30 million to $37 million and won four Razzies, including Worst Picture.
Is Howard the Duck in the MCU?
Yes, in a few brief cameos voiced by Seth Green. Where he turns up is in the spoiler box on this page.
How many Marvel movies and shows came out in 1986?
Just one: Howard the Duck, about 1h 50m of viewing.