Fans hoping to snag the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled box set may have to wait just a bit longer. In a statement released recently, Disney announced that the box set has been delayed until next spring.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled box set will contain all six Marvel Studio movies released so far over ten discs with a glowing replica of the Tesseract included in the set. The entire contents would be housed in a facsimile briefcase used by Nick Fury as seen in the films. And that’s where the delay lies.

Apparently, the design of the case is a copyrighted version owned by the German luggage company Rimowa BhmbH. Because of the closeness of the look of the Nick Fury case to theirs, the company filed a lawsuit with the California federal Court claiming Marvel did not obtain the proper permission to use this replicated version. According to the complaint:

“Marvel did not obtain any license or authorization from Rimowa to make replica copies of the case for any purpose . . . the plastic ‘replica case’ [is] a close copy of Rimowa’s Topas attaché case in every respect but quality — from the proportions and coloring, to the style of the handle and latches, and, of course, in the use of the trademarked parallel ridges around the body of the case.”

Originally, the set was to be released on September 25, 2012, but due to this turn of events, it was uncertain if the case could be resolved or settled in time to meet this date. Therefore, Disney decided to delay the release for another six months. In a statement released by the studio, Disney announced:

“We are sorry to inform you that there will be a delay in the availability of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled Collection. Originally, the Collection was to be available on September 25, 2012, but unfortunately we are now unable to make that date. We are currently working with Marvel to identify the exact date when the Collection will be available, but we expect it to be during Spring, 2013.

The Collection will come in a new briefcase and include even more than the content and features that were first advertised. We know that you are disappointed in this delay, and we are working hard to get your Collection to you as soon as possible. We will have an updated announcement for you in the coming weeks which will include actual timing and final details. Once again, we apologize for the delay and hope that when you do receive the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled Collection, you will enjoy it as much as Marvel enjoyed creating it.”

So although Marvel fans will have to wait just a tad longer for this amazing set, they will be compensated for the wait with the addition of new bonus features and a new design on the briefcase. If we’re lucky, maybe they’ll even consider adding a Director’s Cut of ‘The Avengers?’

No official comment has been made by Disney or Marvel on the packaging issue but we’ll make sure to keep you updated on any news about the box set as it surfaces.

Source: IGN