Cumberbatch Reveals Marvel'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. Marvel and Kevin Feige were likely less than thrilled with this unexpected reveal.

Table of Contents

• Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
• Spider-Man: The Unexpected Anchor?
• Avengers: Secret Wars and the MCU Reboot
• The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Role

Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from *Doomsday*

Was this a genuine slip-up, or a calculated move by Marvel? It's likely the latter. Marvel often controls interviews to strategically manage narratives and deflect negative attention. This might be a tactic to distract from controversies surrounding projects like *Captain America: Brave New World* and the Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively situation.

Cumberbatch confirmed key details about both *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Secret Wars*, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. *Avengers 5: Kang Dynasty* has been retooled into *Doomsday*, bringing back Robert Downey Jr. in a pivotal role.

While a Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up (as seen in *Triumph and Torment*) was initially anticipated, Downey Jr.'s post-*Secret Wars* departure necessitates a different direction. Doctor Strange's absence from *Doomsday* is attributed to his character not initially fitting the revised storyline; he was intended for a more significant role in the original *Kang Dynasty*.

The original *Avengers 5* script, titled *Kang Dynasty*, featured Shang-Chi as a main character. This version centered on Kang the Conqueror and the Council of Kangs. However, the MCU's overhaul introduced Victor Von Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.

This seemingly confirms long-standing theories about Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings. Similarities between the rings and those seen on Kang's larger timeship in *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* suggest Kang's involvement in their creation, a theory strengthened by the original *Avengers 5* plot focusing on the Council of Kangs.

Spider-Man: The Unexpected Anchor?

*Avengers: Doomsday* heavily features the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into *Doomsday*. This makes sense as it's the final film before *Doomsday*. A post-credits scene, similar to *Thor: Ragnarok*'s setup for *Infinity War*, will likely bridge the gap. Given Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as seen in *Deadpool and Wolverine*), and his statement that this being is still alive, it suggests Iron Man isn't the MCU's central figure. Spider-Man emerges as a strong contender for this role.

Both versions of *Avengers 5* appear to be adaptations of the *Avengers: Time Runs Out* storyline, culminating in a multiverse collapse into Battleworld, setting the stage for *Secret Wars*. Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will seemingly play a crucial role, possibly even becoming the God Emperor Doom.

Avengers: Secret Wars

*Secret Wars* was always planned as a multiverse film featuring legacy actors, essentially a multiverse Avengers team. This signifies a soft reboot of the MCU. Cumberbatch's revelations highlight significant changes, including a downgraded role for Shang-Chi in *Doomsday*.

Originally, Doctor Strange was slated to survive the multiverse's destruction in *Secret Wars*, alongside a select few MCU characters and numerous legacy actors from pre-MCU Marvel films. The film's scope will now be more akin to *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 central role in the MCU's X-Men era, suggesting his involvement in X-Men-related stories. His comments suggest a belief in his own importance within the MCU's future.

Doctor Strange's continued presence in overarching narratives throughout Marvel Phase 7 is anticipated, potentially leading to an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie. Doctor Strange 3 has also undergone significant changes; its original release date was before *Kang Dynasty*, with a post-credits scene intended to set up the Council of Kangs. Now, its release is likely after *Secret Wars*, requiring substantial plot alterations.

Doctor Strange 3 might incorporate more X-Men-based magic characters or even adapt a classic Defenders storyline, potentially featuring a Midnight Suns team-up, including Moon Knight and possibly even an MCU Ghost Rider.