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 of the MCU. 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, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor Being?
• Secret Wars: A Multiversal Clash
• The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange

Conspiracy Theory? Doctor Strange's Absence from *Doomsday*

It's unlikely Cumberbatch's revelations were accidental. Marvel often orchestrates such interviews to manage narrative control and potentially deflect negative press. This might be a strategic move to shift focus from controversies surrounding projects like *Captain America: Brave New World* and the Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively situation.

Cumberbatch confirmed significant plot details for both *Doomsday* and *Secret Wars*, highlighting the narrative shifts following Jonathan Majors' dismissal. *Avengers 5*, initially titled *Kang Dynasty*, has been retooled as *Doomsday*, bringing back Robert Downey Jr. While a Doctor Doom/Doctor Strange team-up, reminiscent of *Triumph and Torment*, was initially anticipated, Downey Jr.'s post-*Secret Wars* status suggests a different direction.

Doctor Strange's absence from *Doomsday* stems from his character's initial misalignment with the revised storyline. He was envisioned for a larger role in the original *Kang Dynasty* plan, which also featured Shang-Chi as a main character.

This revelation supports long-standing theories about the Ten Rings of Power from *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*. Similarities between the rings and those seen on Kang's larger time ship in *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* suggest Kang as their creator, aligning with the original *Council of Kangs* storyline for *Avengers 5*.

Spider-Man, Not Iron Man, as the Anchor Being?

*Avengers: Doomsday* centers around the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, directly leading into *Secret Wars*. The film will likely feature a post-credits scene, similar to *Thor: Ragnarok*, setting up *Doomsday*. Given Kevin Feige's emphasis on "anchor beings" (as seen in *Deadpool and Wolverine*), and the confirmation that this being is still alive, Iron Man is ruled out. This points towards Spider-Man as the potential MCU anchor.

Both the original *Kang Dynasty* and the revised *Doomsday* plots seem to adapt elements from the *Avengers: Time Runs Out* storyline, culminating in a battle-world scenario. *Secret Wars* will build upon this, incorporating Doctor Doom's storyline and potentially establishing Robert Downey Jr.'s character as the God Emperor Doom.

Secret Wars: A Multiversal Clash

*Secret Wars* will be a multiversal film featuring legacy actors, representing a soft reboot of the MCU. Cumberbatch's revelations highlight Shang-Chi's reduced role, the postponement of his sequel, and the overall shift in narrative focus. The film will involve many surviving MCU characters and numerous legacy actors from pre-MCU Marvel films, similar to *Deadpool and Wolverine*, but on a much larger scale, potentially including X-Men characters.

The Future of the MCU and Doctor Strange

Cumberbatch hinted at Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the post-*Secret Wars* MCU, particularly in the X-Men era. This could involve him in X-Men-related stories, building upon his appearance in *X-Men '97*. He also teased *Doctor Strange 3*, which has undergone significant plot changes. Originally slated for release before *Kang Dynasty*, it was intended to set up the *Council of Kangs*. Now, its release might be postponed until after *Secret Wars*, requiring a complete plot overhaul.

The revised *Doctor Strange 3* might incorporate more X-Men-based magic characters or even adapt a classic Defenders storyline, potentially including a Midnight Suns team-up featuring Moon Knight and possibly even a new MCU Ghost Rider.