Benedict Cumberbatch spills the beans on Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday, even offering a glimpse into the subsequent X-Men era. Marvel and Kevin Feige are likely less than thrilled.
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 likely orchestrated the spoiler-filled interview strategically, a tactic to divert attention from controversies surrounding Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively and the negative reception of Captain America: Brave New World.
Cumberbatch confirmed key details about Doomsday and Secret Wars, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Avengers 5, originally Kang Dynasty, is now Doomsday, and Robert Downey Jr. is back.
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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 Doomsday absence stems from his character's original storyline incompatibility. He was intended for a larger role in the now-overhauled Kang Dynasty. The original Avengers 5 (Kang Dynasty) would have prominently featured Shang-Chi. The revised version introduces Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr.
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This seemingly confirms long-standing theories about Shang-Chi's Ten Rings, linking them to Kang, whose time-ship in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania bears similar markings.
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 bridge the gap. Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as seen in Deadpool and Wolverine) remains a mystery, though he confirmed the being's survival, ruling out Iron Man as the "Marvel Jesus."
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The theory suggests Spider-Man, not Iron Man, is the anchor, intended to be targeted by Doctor Doom. Strange's absence removes the potential Doctor Strange vs. Doctor Doom conflict.
Both Kang Dynasty and Doomsday versions appear to adapt the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario, which Secret Wars will utilize. Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will attempt to save, then ultimately become the villain of, the multiverse as God Emperor Doom.
Secret Wars
Image: ensigame.com
Secret Wars will be a multiverse film featuring legacy actors in a multiverse Avengers team, marking a soft reboot of the MCU. Shang-Chi's role is significantly diminished in Doomsday.
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Doctor Strange was initially slated to survive the multiverse's destruction and appear in Battleworld, alongside a few surviving MCU characters and numerous legacy actors. The film will be similar in scope 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 interview suggests he envisions himself as the new "Marvel Jesus."
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Doctor Strange's continued involvement in overarching MCU narratives (like Avengers vs. X-Men) is anticipated. Doctor Strange 3, initially planned for release before Kang Dynasty, may now follow Secret Wars, necessitating plot revisions. The film might feature more X-Men-related magical characters or even adapt a classic Defenders storyline or a Midnight Suns team-up, potentially including Moon Knight and possibly even Ghost Rider.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Cumberbatch's revelations leave the future of the MCU, and Doctor Strange's role within it, wide open.
