Benedict Cumberbatch has recently unveiled a wealth of information about the upcoming Marvel projects, including "Avengers: Secret Wars" and "Avengers: Doomsday." His revelations also touched on the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the X-Men era set to follow. Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige must be thrilled about this unexpected disclosure.
Conspiracy Theory?
It's unlikely that Marvel would allow such a significant leak without intention. The studio has a history of strategically releasing spoilers to shift focus away from other issues. Recent examples include the media attention on Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, as well as the negative buzz around "Captain America: Brave New World."
Cumberbatch confirmed numerous details about "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Secret Wars," revealing changes in storylines post-Jonathan Majors' departure. "Avengers 5," initially titled "Kang Dynasty," has been reimagined as "Doomsday," with Robert Downey Jr. returning to the fold.
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Fans hoping for a "Triumph and Torment"-style Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange team-up might be disappointed, as Downey Jr.'s involvement in "Secret Wars" suggests a different narrative direction post-event.
Doctor Strange is Not in Doomsday
Doctor Strange's absence from "Doomsday" is notable, with Cumberbatch hinting at a possible post-credits scene setting up "Secret Wars." The change in storyline from "Kang Dynasty" to "Doomsday" has shifted Strange's role, originally intended to be more significant in the Kang-focused narrative.
The original plan for "Avengers 5" included a major role for Shang-Chi alongside Kang the Conqueror and the Council of Kangs. However, the film has been revamped to introduce Victor Von Doom, with Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role.
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This shift confirms long-standing fan theories about the origins of the Ten Rings of Power from "Shang-Chi," suggesting a connection to Kang's time ship seen in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania."
Spider-Man. Not the Iron Man
"Avengers: Doomsday" will center around the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into the film from the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. A post-credits scene might set up "Doomsday" similarly to how "Thor: Ragnarok" set up "Infinity War."
Kevin Feige's concept of "anchor beings" introduced in "Deadpool & Wolverine" suggests a central figure in the MCU, still alive, who isn't Iron Man. Cumberbatch's comments imply that Spider-Man might be this anchor, especially with Doctor Strange's absence from the "Doomsday" script.
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Both versions of "Avengers 5," whether "Kang Dynasty" or "Doomsday," seem inspired by the "Time Runs Out" storyline, culminating in the multiverse collapsing into Battleworld for "Secret Wars." Downey Jr.'s character will attempt to save the multiverse while becoming the villainous God Emperor Doom.
Secret Wars
"Secret Wars" is set to be a multiverse-spanning event, featuring a team of legacy actors akin to a multiverse Avengers team, effectively soft rebooting the MCU. Cumberbatch's extensive spoilers reveal a significant downgrade for Shang-Chi in "Doomsday," delaying his sequel for other priorities.
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In "Secret Wars," Doctor Strange was meant to survive the multiverse's destruction and reach Battleworld, with most MCU characters perishing in an event reminiscent of the "Infinity War" snap. The film would feature a mix of surviving MCU heroes and legacy actors from pre-MCU Marvel films.
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The movie will resemble an expanded version of "Deadpool & Wolverine," with appearances from X-Men characters, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men, and classic Fantastic Four actors.
The Future of MCU and Strange
Post-"Secret Wars," Marvel plans a soft reboot of the MCU, with Cumberbatch suggesting Doctor Strange's central role in the upcoming X-Men era. This could involve Strange in X-Men-related storylines, as hinted by his appearance in "X-Men '97."
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Cumberbatch's enthusiasm in the interview positions Doctor Strange as a pivotal figure in the evolving MCU, potentially akin to a "Marvel Jesus" figure. This role extends into Phase 7, with expectations of involvement in "Avengers vs. X-Men."
"Doctor Strange 3" has seen numerous changes. Initially set to release before "Kang Dynasty," it was meant to explore the incursions and set up the Council of Kangs. However, with its release now possibly after "Secret Wars," the plot will need to adapt to the post-incursion, post-multiverse narrative.
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Cumberbatch's comments indicate that "Doctor Strange 3" might focus on X-Men-related magic characters, though no script exists yet. Another possibility is a classic Defenders storyline or a team-up with the Midnight Suns, potentially featuring Moon Knight and even an MCU Ghost Rider.
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Thanks to Cumberbatch's spoiler-filled interview, the future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's role within it is brimming with exciting possibilities.
