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 reveal, using strategic spoilers to deflect attention from other controversies.
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 a genuine leak. Marvel likely encouraged Cumberbatch's revelations as a calculated move to manage negative press surrounding projects like Captain America: Brave New World.
Cumberbatch confirmed details about both Avengers: Doomsday (formerly Kang Dynasty) and Secret Wars, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Robert Downey Jr.'s return and a revamped storyline are key elements. The hoped-for Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up from the comics, inspired by Triumph and Torment, seems unlikely given Downey Jr.'s potential limited involvement.
Image: ensigame.com
Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday stems from the revised storyline. Initially intended for a larger role in the Kang Dynasty version, his character arc doesn't align with the current Doomsday narrative. This absence might be resolved with a post-credits scene setting up Secret Wars. The original Kang Dynasty script also featured Shang-Chi prominently, focusing on the Council of Kangs.
Image: ensigame.com
This revelation supports existing theories about the Ten Rings from Shang-Chi's film, linking them to Kang. The similar rings on Kang's larger time ship in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania solidify this connection.
Spider-Man, Not Iron Man
Avengers: Doomsday centers on the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Secret Wars. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok, will likely bridge the two films. Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" in Deadpool and Wolverine remains a mystery, although he confirmed the being is still alive, ruling out Iron Man as the "Marvel Jesus."
Image: ensigame.com
The theory suggests Spider-Man is the anchor being, replacing the original Doctor Strange versus Doctor Doom conflict. Both versions of Avengers 5 appear to adapt the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario, which Secret Wars will expand upon. Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will play a pivotal role, potentially becoming the God Emperor Doom.
Secret Wars
Secret Wars will be a multiverse film featuring legacy actors, effectively soft-rebooting the MCU. Shang-Chi's role has been significantly reduced in Doomsday.
Image: ensigame.com
Doctor Strange's survival and presence in Battleworld were originally planned, but the revised storyline might feature a drastically different cast, mirroring Deadpool and Wolverine in scale, potentially including X-Men characters, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.
Image: ensigame.com
The Future of the MCU and Strange
Post-Secret Wars, the MCU will undergo a soft reboot, with Doctor Strange playing a central role in the X-Men era. This could involve him in X-Men-related stories, potentially building towards an Avengers vs. X-Men film. Doctor Strange 3 has undergone significant changes, possibly delaying its release until after Secret Wars. The film may incorporate X-Men characters or even a classic Defenders storyline, potentially including Moon Knight and even a possible MCU Ghost Rider.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Cumberbatch's interview has opened up a wealth of possibilities for the future of the MCU.