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 likely orchestrated this leak to manage negative press surrounding other projects.
Table of Contents:
- Conspiracy Theory?
- Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
- Spider-Man, Not Iron Man
- Secret Wars
- The Future of the MCU and Strange
Conspiracy Theory? Probably not.
Marvel strategically uses controlled interviews with spoilers to divert attention from controversies, like the Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively situation or the backlash against Captain America: Brave New World. Cumberbatch confirmed key details about both Doomsday and Secret Wars, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Avengers 5, originally Kang Dynasty, is now Doomsday, featuring Robert Downey Jr.'s return.
Image: ensigame.com
While a Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up (à la Triumph and Torment) was initially hoped for, Downey Jr.'s post-Secret Wars absence necessitates a revised storyline.
Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
Strange's omission from Doomsday stems from his character's original storyline alignment with Kang Dynasty, not the revised Doomsday narrative. His role may be limited to a post-credits scene setting up Secret Wars. The original Avengers 5 (Kang Dynasty) would have prominently featured Shang-Chi. The shift to Doomsday introduces Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr.
Image: ensigame.com
This confirms theories linking the Ten Rings from Shang-Chi to Kang, evident in the similar rings on Kang's larger time ship in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Spider-Man, Not Iron Man
Avengers: Doomsday centers on the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Doomsday. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok's setup for Infinity War, will likely bridge Doomsday to the next phase. Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as seen in Deadpool and Wolverine) remains shrouded in mystery, with the anchor being confirmed as still alive, ruling out Iron Man.
Image: ensigame.com
The theory suggests Spider-Man is the MCU's anchor being, replacing the original plan involving a Doctor Strange vs. Doctor Doom confrontation. Both versions of Avengers 5 appear to adapt elements of the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld setting for Secret Wars. Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will be central to Secret Wars, potentially becoming the God Emperor Doom.
Secret Wars
Image: ensigame.com
Secret Wars will be a multiverse film featuring legacy actors, essentially soft-rebooting the MCU. Shang-Chi's role has been significantly diminished in Doomsday. Cumberbatch's extensive revelations are packed with details, including the impact of the storyline changes on other characters.
Image: ensigame.com
Doctor Strange was originally slated to survive the multiverse's destruction in Secret Wars, alongside other MCU characters and numerous legacy actors. The film's scope is comparable to Deadpool and Wolverine, potentially featuring X-Men, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.
The Future of the MCU and Strange
Cumberbatch hints at Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the MCU's X-Men era, potentially involving X-Men-related storylines. His portrayal suggests he envisions Strange as a central figure in the MCU's future. A version of Strange appeared in X-Men '97.
Image: ensigame.com
Doctor Strange 3's release is now linked to Secret Wars, requiring a plot overhaul. The film might incorporate more X-Men-related magic characters. Alternative storylines include a classic Defenders arc or a Midnight Suns team-up, potentially featuring Moon Knight and even a MCU Ghost Rider.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Cumberbatch's unintentional spoilers open up a multitude of possibilities for the MCU's future.
