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 slightly panicked) by the revelation.
Table of Contents:
- Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
- Spider-Man, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor?
- Secret Wars: A Multiversal Mashup
- The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange
Conspiracy Theory Debunked? Marvel's Strategic Leaks
Probably not a genuine leak. Marvel likely orchestrated Cumberbatch's revelations as a strategic move to divert attention from negative press surrounding other projects (e.g., the Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively situation, and the controversy surrounding Captain America: Brave New World).
Cumberbatch confirmed key details about both Avengers: Doomsday (formerly Kang Dynasty) and Secret Wars, highlighting the narrative shifts following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Robert Downey Jr.'s return, and the shift from Kang to Doctor Doom as the central antagonist, are significant changes.
Image: ensigame.com
The hoped-for Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up (as seen in Triumph and Torment) is unlikely given Downey Jr.'s anticipated departure after Secret Wars.
Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday is attributed to the revised storyline. Originally slated for a larger role in the Kang Dynasty version, his character arc no longer aligns with the current narrative.
Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings: A Kang Connection?
Cumberbatch's comments seemingly confirm long-standing fan theories regarding Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings. The similarities between the rings and Kang's time-ship design in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania strongly suggest Kang's involvement in their creation.
Image: ensigame.com
Spider-Man: The MCU's Anchor Being?
Avengers: Doomsday will heavily feature the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Secret Wars. The concept of "anchor beings" (a Kevin Feige creation), and the confirmation that this being is still alive, points towards Spider-Man as the MCU's anchor, rather than Iron Man.
Image: ensigame.com
Secret Wars: A Multiversal Endgame
Secret Wars will be a multiversal spectacle, featuring legacy actors and a soft reboot of the MCU. The film will adapt elements of the Doctor Doom storyline, with Downey Jr. potentially portraying God Emperor Doom. Shang-Chi's role has been significantly reduced.
Image: ensigame.com
The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Central Role
Cumberbatch hints at Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the MCU's X-Men era, potentially involving him in X-Men-related narratives. He also teases significant changes to Doctor Strange 3, suggesting a possible release after Secret Wars, and potentially incorporating X-Men characters or a classic Defenders storyline.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
The possibilities for the MCU's future are vast, thanks to Cumberbatch's unexpected (and perhaps strategically timed) revelations.
