December 2026 is going to be one of the most dramatic months at the global box office in recent years. Two massive films: Every sci-fi fan favourite Marvel’s 'Avengers: Doomsday' and India's beloved Shah Rukh Khan’s 'KING' are set to release in the same month, setting the stage for a worldwide cinema clash.
On one side is Marvel Studios’ biggest franchise event, expected to dominate global screens. On the other hand is KING, starring Shah Rukh Khan, a film already being described as his most ambitious global release yet.
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The hype around both releases has sparked a big question among trending fans and audience- who will own the box office?
Christmas release or strategic buffer
Christmas has traditionally been a strong window for Shah Rukh Khan, especially in overseas markets. Supporters of a Christmas release believe KING has the scale, style and international appeal to stand tall even against a Marvel juggernaut. Holiday footfalls combined with SRK’s global fan base could translate into a massive opening.
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However, there is also a case for caution. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to take over IMAX and premium screens worldwide. A pre-Christmas release could give KING some breathing space, allowing word of mouth to grow before Marvel’s wave hits full force. Trade observers point out that SRK no longer depends on festive dates to deliver big numbers, with films like Pathaan and Jawan already proving that point.
The larger picture suggests that if KING is positioned as India’s true global event film, a Christmas release would be a bold statement, turning the clash into a cultural moment: Bollywood’s KING versus Hollywood’s most anticipated film from the Marvel franchise. At the same time, a one-week buffer could help KING build into a sustained global run.
Either way, December 2026 looks set to become a celebration for both SRK fans and Marvel loyalists: a rare month when cinephile's world cinema truly collides.
