Benedict Cumberbatch spills the beans on Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday, even hinting at the future X-Men era of the MCU. Marvel's strategic leak? Perhaps.
Table of Contents
- Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
- Spider-Man, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor?
- Secret Wars: A Multiversal Showdown
- The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Role
Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
Likely not a genuine leak. Marvel likely orchestrated the interview to strategically release information, potentially diverting attention from controversies surrounding Captain America: Brave New World and other projects.
Cumberbatch confirmed details about both Doomsday and Secret Wars, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Avengers 5 (originally Kang Dynasty) transformed into Doomsday, with Robert Downey Jr.'s return. The original plan heavily featured Shang-Chi and the Council of Kangs.
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The hoped-for Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up (as seen in Triumph and Torment) seems unlikely with Downey Jr.'s anticipated departure after Secret Wars.
Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday is attributed to his storyline not aligning with the revised narrative. He was originally intended for a larger role in the Kang Dynasty iteration.
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This revelation seemingly confirms theories about Shang-Chi's Ten Rings, linking them to Kang, given the similar rings seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Spider-Man, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor?
Avengers: Doomsday centers around the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Secret Wars. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok, will likely set up Doomsday.
Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as mentioned in Deadpool and Wolverine) suggests that Iron Man isn't the MCU's central figure. The surviving anchor being is still alive, and the theory suggests Spider-Man fills this role.
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Both versions of Avengers 5 appear to adapt the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario, forming the foundation for Secret Wars. Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will likely be a key antagonist, potentially becoming God Emperor Doom.
Secret Wars: A Multiversal Showdown
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Secret Wars will be a multiversal film featuring legacy actors and a soft reboot of the MCU. Shang-Chi's role has been significantly reduced in Doomsday.
Cumberbatch's extensive revelations highlight the significant plot changes, including the altered role of Shang-Chi.
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Originally, Doctor Strange was to survive the multiverse's collapse, but the revised narrative suggests a larger ensemble cast including legacy actors and surviving MCU characters. The scale and scope will likely resemble Deadpool and Wolverine, potentially featuring X-Men, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.
The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Role
Cumberbatch indicates Doctor Strange's central role in the MCU's X-Men era, suggesting involvement in X-Men-related stories. His presence in X-Men '97 foreshadows this.
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Doctor Strange's future involvement in overarching MCU narratives, including a potential Avengers vs. X-Men film, is hinted at. Doctor Strange 3 has undergone significant changes; its release is now anticipated after Secret Wars, requiring a complete plot overhaul.
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The film might incorporate X-Men characters or even adapt a classic Defenders storyline, potentially featuring a Midnight Suns team-up with Moon Knight and possibly even Ghost Rider.
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Cumberbatch's unintentional spoiler-filled interview has opened up numerous possibilities for the future of the MCU.
