Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange is Not in Doomsday
The buzz around Benedict Cumberbatch revealing intricate details about Marvel's upcoming projects, including "Avengers: Secret Wars" and "Avengers: Doomsday," has stirred the pot of speculation and conspiracy theories. Marvel and Kevin Feige might be orchestrating these revelations to strategically divert attention from other issues, such as controversies surrounding other high-profile projects. Cumberbatch's disclosures included significant changes to the MCU's narrative following the departure of Jonathan Majors, with "Avengers 5" shifting from "Kang Dynasty" to "Doomsday" and featuring the return of Robert Downey Jr.
One intriguing aspect is the absence of Doctor Strange from "Doomsday." Cumberbatch suggests that Strange might appear only in a post-credits scene, setting the stage for "Secret Wars." This change aligns with a revamped storyline where Doctor Strange's role no longer fits within the "Doomsday" narrative, originally intended to be a significant part of the Kang-centric plot.
Moreover, the initial plan for "Avengers 5" included a prominent role for Shang-Chi, linked to the Council of Kangs. However, the narrative pivot to "Doomsday" now emphasizes Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr., possibly confirming theories about the origins of the Ten Rings of Power from "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." The connection between the Ten Rings and Kang's technology, hinted at in "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania," suggests a broader MCU storyline integration.
Spider-Man, Not the Iron Man
The "Doomsday" storyline is set to focus heavily on the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into the film's narrative from the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. This shift suggests a post-credits scene that could set up "Doomsday," much like "Thor: Ragnarok" did for "Infinity War." With Kevin Feige's concept of "anchor beings," introduced in "Deadpool & Wolverine," it's speculated that Spider-Man might be the MCU's anchor, rather than Iron Man, especially with Doctor Strange's absence from the script.
Both versions of "Avengers 5," whether "Kang Dynasty" or "Doomsday," seem to be adaptations of the "Time Runs Out" storyline, leading to the multiverse's collapse into Battleworld, setting the stage for "Secret Wars." Robert Downey Jr.'s character might evolve into the main villain, God Emperor Doom, in this new narrative.
Secret Wars
"Secret Wars" promises to be a grand multiverse movie, featuring a team-up of legacy actors akin to a multiverse Avengers team, marking a soft reboot for the MCU. Cumberbatch's revelations hint at a significant downgrading of Shang-Chi's role in "Doomsday," with the focus shifting to other characters and storylines. The film will showcase a different cast from "Doomsday," with surviving MCU characters and numerous legacy actors from pre-MCU Marvel films.
The movie is likened to an expanded version of "Deadpool & Wolverine," potentially featuring the return of X-Men, classic actors like Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, and even characters from the original Fantastic Four movies. This approach aims to bring back beloved characters and introduce new dynamics within the MCU.
The Future of MCU and Strange
Looking beyond "Secret Wars," Cumberbatch's comments suggest that Doctor Strange will play a pivotal role in the MCU's next phase, particularly during the X-Men era. This could involve integrating Doctor Strange into X-Men storylines, as hinted at by his appearance in "X-Men '97." The actor's enthusiasm points to Doctor Strange becoming a central figure in Marvel's future, possibly akin to a "Marvel Jesus," a nod to the character's significance in upcoming narratives.
Originally, "Doctor Strange 3" was slated for release before "Kang Dynasty," focusing on incursions leading to the Council of Kangs. However, with the narrative shift, the release might be delayed until after "Secret Wars," necessitating a complete overhaul of its plot. This new direction could explore more X-Men-related magic or even a classic Defenders storyline, potentially involving a "Midnight Suns" team-up featuring characters like Moon Knight and Ghost Rider.
The possibilities for "Doctor Strange 3" are vast, with potential for integrating various comic book arcs and characters. Cumberbatch's spoiler-filled interview has opened up numerous avenues for speculation and excitement about the MCU's future, particularly regarding Doctor Strange's role in shaping the next era of Marvel storytelling.
