Benedict Cumberbatch's recent revelations about Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday have sent shockwaves through the MCU fandom. He spilled the beans on significant plot changes, character shifts, and the future direction of the franchise, leaving Marvel and Kevin Feige likely both pleased and slightly exasperated.
Table of Contents
- Conspiracy Theory? Controlled Spill?
- Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
- Spider-Man, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor?
- Secret Wars: A Multiversal Endgame
- The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange
Conspiracy Theory? Controlled Spill?
It's unlikely this was an accidental leak. Marvel likely orchestrated the interview to strategically release information, potentially diverting attention from controversies surrounding Captain America: Brave New World and other recent negative press. Cumberbatch confirmed details about both Doomsday and Secret Wars, highlighting the impact of Jonathan Majors' dismissal on the narrative. Avengers 5, initially titled Kang Dynasty, has been retooled as Doomsday, notably featuring Robert Downey Jr.'s return.
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The planned Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up, reminiscent of the Triumph and Torment comic arc, seems scrapped due to Downey Jr.'s likely limited involvement beyond Secret Wars.
Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
Cumberbatch explained Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday stems from narrative restructuring. Initially a more prominent figure in the Kang Dynasty storyline, his role has been significantly altered. This suggests a substantial rewrite, potentially impacting Shang-Chi's role as well.
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This revelation seemingly confirms long-standing fan theories linking the Ten Rings from Shang-Chi's film to Kang, given their visual similarities in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Spider-Man, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor?
Avengers: Doomsday appears heavily focused on the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, serving as a direct prelude to the film. The "anchor being" concept, heavily promoted by Kevin Feige, remains shrouded in mystery, but Cumberbatch's comments suggest Iron Man isn't the pivotal figure. With Strange's removal from the script, the theory that Spider-Man is the anchor gains traction.
Image: ensigame.com
Both versions of Avengers 5 seem to adapt elements of the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario that sets the stage for Secret Wars.
Secret Wars: A Multiversal Endgame
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Secret Wars will be a multiverse film featuring legacy actors, essentially a soft reboot of the MCU. Cumberbatch's disclosures reveal significant plot alterations, particularly a diminished role for Shang-Chi. The original plan involved a massive character death toll, similar to Infinity War, with Secret Wars featuring survivors and numerous legacy actors from pre-MCU Marvel films. The scale is comparable to Deadpool and Wolverine, potentially including X-Men characters, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Venom.
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The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange
Cumberbatch hinted at Doctor Strange's central role in the MCU's X-Men era, potentially involving him in X-Men-related narratives. His comments suggest he envisions himself as a key figure in the MCU's future. Doctor Strange 3's release is now expected after Secret Wars, requiring a complete plot overhaul. The film may incorporate more X-Men-related magical characters or even a classic Defenders storyline, potentially including a Midnight Suns team-up with Moon Knight and even a possible MCU Ghost Rider.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Cumberbatch's unintentional (or perhaps intentional) spoiler-filled interview has dramatically reshaped fan expectations for the MCU's future.
