Benedict Cumberbatch's Recent Revelations Shake Up the MCU's Future
Benedict Cumberbatch recently spilled the beans on Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday, even offering a glimpse into the subsequent X-Men era. This unexpected disclosure has undoubtedly sent ripples through Marvel Studios.
The "Spoiler" Strategy: A Calculated Move?
Many believe Cumberbatch's revelations weren't accidental. Marvel likely orchestrated the interview to strategically redirect attention from controversies surrounding Captain America: Brave New World and the Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively situation.
Cumberbatch confirmed significant plot details, revealing the shift from Kang Dynasty to Doomsday, the return of Robert Downey Jr., and substantial storyline revisions following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. He also hinted at a significant change in the role of Shang-Chi.
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The hoped-for 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
Cumberbatch explained Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday, stating the character's original role in the now-altered Kang Dynasty storyline was significantly larger. His comments suggest Shang-Chi's role was also substantially reduced in the revised Doomsday script.
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This revelation seemingly confirms long-standing fan theories connecting the Ten Rings from Shang-Chi's film to Kang, based on similarities observed in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Spider-Man: The Unexpected Anchor?
Doomsday appears heavily focused on the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, leading directly into Secret Wars. The film will likely feature a post-credits scene setting up Doomsday, mirroring Thor: Ragnarok's connection to Infinity War.
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Given Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" and the confirmation that this being is still alive, speculation centers on Spider-Man as the MCU's anchor, rather than Iron Man. The original plan for Avengers 5, regardless of title, seems to have involved an adaptation of the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario for Secret Wars.
Secret Wars: A Multiversal Spectacle
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Secret Wars will be a multiversal film featuring legacy actors, essentially a soft reboot of the MCU. Cumberbatch's disclosures highlight the significant downgrade of Shang-Chi's role in Doomsday.
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The film will likely involve a large ensemble cast, reminiscent 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 Doctor Strange
Cumberbatch hinted at Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the MCU's X-Men era, potentially involving X-Men-related storylines. His comments suggest he envisions himself as a central figure in the MCU's future.
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He also discussed Doctor Strange 3, revealing significant plot changes. The film's release may be delayed until after Secret Wars, necessitating a complete plot overhaul. The possibility of a classic Defenders storyline or a Midnight Suns team-up was also suggested, potentially including Moon Knight and even a MCU Ghost Rider.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Cumberbatch's unintentional (or perhaps intentional) spoilers have opened up a world of possibilities for the MCU's future.
