Benedict Cumberbatch spills the beans on Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday, even hinting at the MCU's X-Men era. Marvel's likely thrilled (and perhaps strategically deploying this information).
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 Cumberbatch's revelations as a calculated spoiler strategy, potentially diverting attention from controversies surrounding Captain America: Brave New World and other projects. Cumberbatch confirmed key details about both Avengers: Doomsday (formerly Kang Dynasty) and Secret Wars, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Robert Downey Jr.'s return is also confirmed.
Image: ensigame.com
The anticipated Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up, inspired by Triumph and Torment, seems unlikely given Downey Jr.'s anticipated departure after Secret Wars.
Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
Strange's absence from Doomsday is attributed to his character's initial misalignment with the revised storyline. He was originally intended for a more prominent role in the Kang Dynasty version, which featured Shang-Chi as a lead character.
Image: ensigame.com
This revelation seemingly confirms theories linking the Ten Rings from Shang-Chi's film to Kang, particularly after similarities were noted in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Spider-Man, Not Iron Man
Avengers: Doomsday heavily features the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Secret Wars. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok's, will likely set up Doomsday. While Kevin Feige emphasized the concept of "anchor beings," Iron Man is ruled out as the MCU's central figure; the theory suggests Spider-Man is the anchor being instead.
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Both versions of Avengers 5 appear to adapt the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario for Secret Wars. Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will reportedly play a pivotal role, potentially becoming the God Emperor Doom.
Secret Wars
Secret Wars will be a multiverse film featuring legacy actors, essentially soft-rebooting the MCU. Shang-Chi's role has been significantly reduced.
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The film will likely resemble an expanded version of Deadpool and Wolverine, potentially including X-Men characters, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.
The Future of the MCU and Strange
Cumberbatch suggests Doctor Strange will be central to the MCU's X-Men era, possibly appearing in X-Men-related stories. His involvement in X-Men '97 is noted.
Image: ensigame.com
Doctor Strange 3's release is now expected after Secret Wars, necessitating plot changes. The film might incorporate X-Men characters or even a classic Defenders storyline, potentially including Moon Knight and possibly even a new MCU Ghost Rider.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Cumberbatch's unintentional spoilers leave numerous possibilities for the future of the MCU, especially regarding Doctor Strange's role.
