Benedict Cumberbatch Reveals All on Marvel's Future

Benedict Cumberbatch recently spilled the beans on everything related to Avengers Secret Wars and Doomsday, along with a brief discussion on Marvel's upcoming X-Men era. Marvel and Kevin Feige were undoubtedly thrilled with this candid revelation.

Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange Not in Doomsday

Is this a conspiracy theory? Not likely. Marvel might have orchestrated this leak to divert attention from other less favorable news, like the Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively drama or the issues surrounding Captain America: Brave New World. Cumberbatch confirmed numerous details about Avengers Doomsday and Secret Wars, including significant storyline changes following Jonathan Majors' departure. Avengers 5, originally titled Kang Dynasty, has been rebranded as Doomsday and will see the return of Robert Downey Jr.

I was hoping for a Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange team-up reminiscent of the comic "Triumph and Torment," but it seems Robert Downey Jr. won't be around post-Secret Wars, leading to a different narrative direction.

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Doctor Strange's Absence in Doomsday

Doctor Strange's absence from Doomsday might only be addressed in a post-credits scene that sets up Avengers Secret Wars. Cumberbatch explained that Strange's character doesn't align with this particular story arc, especially after the shift from Kang Dynasty, where Strange was meant to play a larger role. The original plan included Shang-Chi as a key character, focusing on Kang the Conqueror and the Council of Kangs. However, the film has been revamped to introduce Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr.

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This confirms long-standing theories about Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings of Power. The post-credits scene in Shang-Chi hinted at a connection, and the similar rings seen in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania suggested a link to Kang. Yet, with the new direction, these theories might need reevaluation.

Spider-Man, Not Iron Man

Avengers Doomsday focuses more on the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into Secret Wars. The film's post-credits scene will likely set up Doomsday similarly to how Thor: Ragnarok set up Infinity War. Kevin Feige's concept of anchor beings, first mentioned during Deadpool and Wolverine, plays a significant role. While Feige confirmed the anchor being is still alive, ruling out Iron Man, Cumberbatch's comments suggest Spider-Man might be this crucial figure.

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Both versions of Avengers 5, Kang Dynasty and Doomsday, appear to adapt the "Time Runs Out" storyline, leading to a multiverse collapse into Battleworld. Secret Wars will feature Robert Downey Jr. in a Doctor Doom role, aiming to save the multiverse while becoming its main villain, God Emperor Doom.

Secret Wars

Secret Wars was always planned as a multiverse movie featuring legacy actors forming a sort of multiverse Avengers team. This approach signifies a soft reboot for the MCU. Cumberbatch's revelations have a lot to unpack, including Shang-Chi's reduced role in Doomsday and the delayed sequel. He even hinted at more spoilers, leaving fans eager for more details.

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In Secret Wars, Doctor Strange was meant to survive the multiverse's destruction and reach Battleworld. Most MCU characters would face a fate similar to the Infinity War snap. Secret Wars would introduce a mix of surviving MCU characters and legacy actors from pre-MCU Marvel films. Think of it as a grander version of Deadpool and Wolverine, featuring X-Men, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Venom, and classic Fantastic Four actors.

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The Future of MCU and Strange

Cumberbatch discussed Marvel's future post-Secret Wars, indicating a soft reboot and Doctor Strange's central role in the upcoming X-Men era. His involvement could mean collaborations with X-Men based stories, as hinted in X-Men '97.

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Cumberbatch's enthusiasm suggests he sees himself as the new cornerstone of the MCU, likening himself to "Marvel Jesus." Doctor Strange is expected to play a key role in Marvel Phase 7, potentially leading to an Avengers vs. X-Men storyline. Cumberbatch also touched on Doctor Strange 3, which has seen numerous changes. Originally planned before Kang Dynasty, it might now release post-Secret Wars, shifting its focus from incursions to X-Men-related magic characters.

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Doctor Strange 3 could explore a classic Defenders storyline or even feature the Midnight Suns team-up, including Moon Knight and possibly Ghost Rider, as hinted by Ryan Reynolds during Deadpool and Wolverine discussions.

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The possibilities for Doctor Strange 3 are vast, thanks to Cumberbatch's spoiler-filled interview.