Benedict Cumberbatch spills the beans on Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday, even offering a glimpse into the MCU's X-Men era. Marvel and Kevin Feige are likely pleased (or perhaps strategically so) with the extensive revelations.
Table of Contents:
- Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
- Spider-Man, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor Being?
- Secret Wars: A Multiversal Spectacle
- The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Role
Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Omission from Doomsday
It's unlikely a genuine leak. Marvel likely orchestrated the spoiler-filled interview as a calculated move to divert attention from controversies surrounding Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively and Captain America: Brave New World.
Cumberbatch confirmed key details about both Avengers: Doomsday (formerly Kang Dynasty) and Secret Wars, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Avengers 5 shifted from a Kang-centric narrative to a Doomsday storyline, notably featuring Robert Downey Jr.'s return.
Image: ensigame.com
While a Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up (as seen in Triumph and Torment) was initially hoped for, Downey Jr.'s post-Secret Wars absence necessitates a revised storyline. Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday stems from the altered narrative; he was intended for a more prominent role in the original Kang Dynasty script.
The initial Avengers 5 (Kang Dynasty) plan also featured Shang-Chi as a main character. The revamped film now centers around Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr.
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This seemingly confirms long-standing theories about Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings, linking them to Kang the Conqueror based on similarities between the rings and Kang's time ship in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Spider-Man, Not Iron Man?
Avengers: Doomsday heavily features the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, serving as a direct prelude to the film. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok, will likely set up Doomsday. Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as seen in Deadpool and Wolverine) remains intriguing, with the identity still undisclosed but confirmed to be a living character. This suggests Spider-Man, not Iron Man, might be the MCU's anchor.
Both versions of Avengers 5 appear to adapt elements from the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a battle-world scenario that forms the basis for Secret Wars. Robert Downey Jr.'s character will seemingly adapt the Doctor Doom storyline, initially a savior, but ultimately becoming the antagonist as God Emperor Doom.
Secret Wars: A Multiversal Clash
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Secret Wars will be a multiversal film featuring legacy actors, essentially a soft reboot of the MCU. Cumberbatch's extensive revelations highlight Shang-Chi's downgraded role in Doomsday.
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The original plan saw many MCU characters perishing, similar to Infinity War, with Secret Wars featuring surviving MCU characters and numerous legacy actors. It's comparable to an expanded version of Deadpool and Wolverine, potentially including X-Men, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.
The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Pivotal Role
Cumberbatch hints at Doctor Strange's central role in the MCU's X-Men era, suggesting involvement in X-Men-related narratives. His interview self-promotion paints him as a key figure in the MCU's future.
Image: ensigame.com
Doctor Strange's continued involvement in overarching storylines, potentially leading to an Avengers vs. X-Men film, is anticipated. Doctor Strange 3 has undergone significant changes, initially slated for release before Kang Dynasty. It will now likely be released after Secret Wars, necessitating plot alterations. The film may incorporate more X-Men-related magic characters or even a classic Defenders storyline, potentially including a Midnight Suns team-up with Moon Knight and potentially even a MCU Ghost Rider.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Cumberbatch's revelations leave numerous possibilities open for the MCU's future.
