Benedict Cumberbatch just went full spoiler on Marvel Future

Benedict Cumberbatch spills the beans on Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday, even offering a glimpse into the subsequent X-Men era. Marvel and Kevin Feige are likely delighted (or perhaps slightly horrified!).

Table of Contents:

• Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence
• Avengers: Doomsday – No Strange, but a Fantastic Four Focus
• Avengers: Secret Wars – A Multiversal Mashup
• The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Role

Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence:

Probably not a deliberate leak. Marvel likely orchestrated the interview to strategically release spoilers, diverting attention from controversies surrounding Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively and the reception of Captain America: Brave New World.

Cumberbatch confirmed significant plot details for both Doomsday and Secret Wars, revealing changes stemming from Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Avengers 5 (originally Kang Dynasty) has transformed into Doomsday, bringing back Robert Downey Jr.

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While a Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up (à la Triumph and Torment) was initially hoped for, Downey Jr.'s post-Secret Wars departure necessitates a revised storyline.

Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday:

Strange's absence from Doomsday is attributed to his character's initial misalignment with the story's direction, originally intended for a larger role in the Kang Dynasty arc. The revised script significantly alters his involvement.

The original Avengers 5 (Kang Dynasty) plan featured Shang-Chi as a main character. The MCU's restructuring introduced Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr., leading to a plot overhaul.

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This seemingly confirms theories about the Ten Rings' origins, linking them to Kang, given the similarities between the rings and Kang's time ship in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Spider-Man, Not Iron Man:

Avengers: Doomsday centers around the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, serving as a direct prelude to the film. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok's, will likely set up Doomsday.

Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as seen in Deadpool and Wolverine) remains a mystery, though he confirmed the being's survival, ruling out Iron Man as the "Marvel Jesus."

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The theory suggests Spider-Man is the anchor being, with Doctor Doom initially planned to target the MCU anchor. Strange's absence removes the potential Doctor Strange vs. Doctor Doom conflict.

Both versions of Avengers 5 appear to adapt the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario, which Secret Wars will utilize. Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will attempt to save the multiverse, ultimately becoming the antagonist (God Emperor Doom).

Secret Wars:

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Secret Wars was always envisioned as a multiversal film featuring legacy actors, essentially a soft reboot of the MCU. Cumberbatch's revelations highlight Shang-Chi's reduced role in Doomsday, a consequence of the plot changes.

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Doctor Strange's survival and presence in Battleworld were originally planned, but the multiverse's collapse would have resulted in many MCU character deaths, mirroring Infinity War. Secret Wars would have featured surviving MCU characters and numerous legacy actors. The scale will be comparable to Deadpool and Wolverine, potentially including X-Men, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.

The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange:

Cumberbatch hints at Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the MCU's X-Men era, potentially involving him in X-Men storylines. His interview suggests he views himself as the new "Marvel Jesus," further fueling speculation.

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Doctor Strange's continued involvement in overarching MCU narratives (including a potential Avengers vs. X-Men film) is anticipated. Doctor Strange 3 has undergone significant plot changes.

Originally slated for release before Kang Dynasty, it would have revealed the Council of Kangs' involvement in the incursions. Now, its release is likely post-Secret Wars, requiring a complete plot overhaul. The film may incorporate more X-Men characters or even a classic Defenders storyline, potentially including Moon Knight and even a new MCU Ghost Rider.

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A Midnight Suns team-up is also a possibility. The lack of a script for Doctor Strange 3 leaves the storyline largely unknown, opening up a wide range of creative options.

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