Benedict Cumberbatch just went full spoiler on Marvel 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 likely had mixed reactions to this unexpected reveal.

Table of Contents

• Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from Doomsday
• Spider-Man: The Unexpected Anchor?
• Avengers: Secret Wars – A Multiversal Mashup
• 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? It's unlikely Cumberbatch accidentally revealed plot points. Marvel often orchestrates interviews to manage narratives, potentially deflecting negative attention from other projects. This might explain the recent flurry of details, especially given controversies surrounding Captain America: Brave New World and other productions.

Cumberbatch confirmed key details about both Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, highlighting the narrative shifts following Jonathan Majors' departure. Avengers 5 (originally Kang Dynasty) has transformed into Doomsday, with Robert Downey Jr.'s return.

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While a Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up (as seen in Triumph and Torment) seemed plausible, Downey Jr.'s likely post-Secret Wars exit necessitates a different approach.

Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday appears to stem from narrative adjustments. His role, initially larger in the Kang Dynasty version, has been significantly altered. This suggests substantial plot changes. The original Avengers 5 script, under the Kang Dynasty title, featured Shang-Chi as a main character. The revised version, however, centers on Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr.

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This confirms long-standing fan theories about Shang-Chi's Ten Rings. Similarities between the rings and Kang's time ship in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania strongly suggest Kang's involvement in their creation.

Spider-Man: The Unexpected Anchor?

Avengers: Doomsday focuses heavily on the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Secret Wars. A post-credits scene, similar to Thor: Ragnarok's setup for Infinity War, will likely bridge the two films. Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as mentioned in relation to Deadpool and Wolverine) remains a mystery, though he confirmed the being's survival. This rules out Iron Man.

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Given Doctor Strange's absence, Spider-Man emerges as a potential candidate for this crucial role. Both versions of Avengers 5 appear to adapt the Avengers: Time Runs Out storyline, culminating in a battle-world scenario that sets the stage for Secret Wars. Doctor Doom's role in Secret Wars seems significantly expanded, with Robert Downey Jr. potentially portraying the God Emperor Doom.

Avengers: Secret Wars – A Multiversal Mashup

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Secret Wars will be a multiversal spectacle, featuring legacy actors and a soft reboot of the MCU. Shang-Chi's role has been downgraded, and his sequel has been delayed. Cumberbatch's extensive revelations are packed with information.

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Doctor Strange was initially slated to survive the multiverse's collapse, but the narrative shift suggests a drastically altered cast, including pre-MCU characters alongside a few MCU survivors. The scale will be similar to Deadpool and Wolverine, potentially featuring X-Men, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.

The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange's Role

Cumberbatch hints at Doctor Strange's central role in the MCU's X-Men era, suggesting involvement in X-Men-related storylines. His appearances in X-Men '97 support this.

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Doctor Strange's continued importance in Phase 7 is anticipated, potentially leading to an Avengers vs. X-Men film. Doctor Strange 3's release has been pushed back, possibly until after Secret Wars, requiring significant plot revisions. The film might incorporate X-Men-related magic characters or even a classic Defenders storyline, potentially including a Midnight Suns team-up with Moon Knight and possibly even a MCU Ghost Rider.

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Cumberbatch's revelations leave the future of the MCU wide open, full of exciting possibilities.