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 MCU's X-Men era. Marvel and Kevin Feige likely weren't displeased with this unexpected reveal.

Table of Contents:

• Conspiracy Theory?
• Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
• Spider-Man, Not Iron Man
• Secret Wars
• The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange

Conspiracy Theory? Probably Not.

Marvel likely orchestrated the spoiler-filled interview, a strategic move to divert attention from controversies surrounding Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively and the reception of Captain America: Brave New World. Cumberbatch confirmed key details about both Avengers: Doomsday (formerly Kang Dynasty) and Secret Wars, revealing significant plot changes following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. Robert Downey Jr.'s return is also confirmed.

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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 absence necessitates a different approach.

Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday

Strange's absence from Doomsday stems from narrative adjustments. His role was initially larger in the Kang Dynasty iteration, focusing on the Council of Kangs. This reveals a connection between the Ten Rings from the Shang-Chi post-credits scene and Kang, foreshadowed in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

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Spider-Man, Not Iron Man

Avengers: Doomsday heavily features the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Secret Wars. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok, will bridge Doomsday and Secret Wars. Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (a concept introduced in Deadpool and Wolverine) suggests Spider-Man, not Iron Man, holds this crucial role.

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Both Kang Dynasty and Doomsday versions seemingly adapt the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a Battleworld scenario, which forms the foundation of Secret Wars. Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will play a pivotal, potentially villainous role as God Emperor Doom.

Secret Wars

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Secret Wars will be a multiverse film featuring legacy actors and a soft reboot of the MCU. Shang-Chi's role has been significantly reduced, and Cumberbatch's unscripted revelations hint at further plot changes.

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The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange

Cumberbatch suggests Doctor Strange will be central to the MCU's X-Men era, potentially involving him in X-Men-related storylines. His self-proclaimed "Marvel Jesus" status hints at a significant power shift within the MCU. Doctor Strange's involvement in higher-level narratives, including a potential Avengers vs. X-Men film, is anticipated.

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Doctor Strange 3's release has been delayed, potentially until after Secret Wars, requiring significant plot alterations. The film may incorporate more X-Men-related magic characters or even a classic Defenders storyline, possibly including Moon Knight and even a potential MCU Ghost Rider.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Cumberbatch's unintentional spoilers have opened up a multitude of exciting possibilities for the future of the MCU.