Benedict Cumberbatch recently shared an extensive breakdown of the upcoming Marvel films, including details on "Avengers: Secret Wars" and "Avengers: Doomsday." He also touched on the future of the MCU, hinting at an X-Men era following these events. Marvel and Kevin Feige must have been thrilled with this unexpected revelation.

Conspiracy Theory?

Is it possible that Marvel instructed Cumberbatch to spill all these details as part of a larger strategy? It's not uncommon for studios to use tactical spoilers to shift focus away from less favorable news. Recent examples include the buzz around Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, as well as the negative press surrounding "Captain America: Brave New World."

Cumberbatch confirmed significant changes to the storylines of "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Secret Wars," especially in light of Jonathan Majors' departure. "Avengers 5" has shifted from "Kang Dynasty" to "Doomsday," and there's talk of Robert Downey Jr. making a return.

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While many fans hoped for a Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange team-up akin to the "Triumph and Torment" storyline from the comics, it seems Robert Downey Jr.'s involvement in "Secret Wars" might prevent that. The narrative direction is set to take a completely different turn.

Doctor Strange is Not in Doomsday

Cumberbatch clarified that Doctor Strange won't appear in "Doomsday," possibly only featuring in a post-credits scene that sets up "Secret Wars." He explained that Strange's absence aligns with the new narrative direction, which initially planned for him to play a larger role in the "Kang Dynasty" storyline.

The original plan for "Avengers 5" included Shang-Chi as a main character, focusing on Kang the Conqueror and the Council of Kangs. However, the film has been retooled to introduce Victor Von Doom and Robert Downey Jr.

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This shift confirms long-standing fan theories about Shang-Chi's Ten Rings of Power. The post-credits scene in "Shang-Chi" hinted at a larger connection, which was further explored in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" with Kang's time ship bearing similar rings.

Spider-Man. Not the Iron Man

"Avengers: Doomsday" will heavily feature the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, setting the stage for "Secret Wars." The film serves as a direct lead-up, with a post-credits scene akin to "Thor: Ragnarok" setting up "Doomsday."

Kevin Feige's concept of "anchor beings" was highlighted during "Deadpool & Wolverine," and Cumberbatch's comments suggest Spider-Man might be the MCU's anchor, rather than Iron Man.

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The plot of both "Kang Dynasty" and "Doomsday" versions of "Avengers 5" appear to adapt the "Time Runs Out" storyline, culminating in the multiverse collapsing into Battleworld, where "Secret Wars" begins. Robert Downey Jr. will portray a version of Doctor Doom, aiming to save the multiverse while becoming its main villain as God Emperor Doom.

Secret Wars

"Secret Wars" is set to be a multiverse film featuring legacy actors forming a multiverse Avengers team, effectively soft rebooting the MCU. Cumberbatch's revelations indicate a significant shift in character roles, with Shang-Chi taking a backseat in "Doomsday."

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In the original plan, Doctor Strange was to survive the multiverse's destruction and make it to Battleworld, with most MCU characters meeting a fate similar to the Infinity War snap. "Secret Wars" would have introduced a new cast, blending surviving MCU characters with legacy actors from pre-MCU Marvel films.

Cumberbatch's comments suggest "Secret Wars" could be a larger-scale version of "Deadpool & Wolverine," potentially featuring the return of X-Men characters, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, and classic Fantastic Four actors.

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The Future of MCU and Strange

Cumberbatch discussed the MCU's direction post-"Secret Wars," hinting at a soft reboot and Doctor Strange's central role in the upcoming X-Men era. His involvement could extend to X-Men-based stories, as evidenced by his appearance in "X-Men '97."

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Doctor Strange is poised to be integral to Marvel Phase 7, possibly leading into "Avengers vs. X-Men." Cumberbatch also mentioned changes to "Doctor Strange 3," which was initially set to release before "Kang Dynasty" and focus on incursions and the Council of Kangs.

With "Doctor Strange 3" now potentially delayed until after "Secret Wars," the plot will need to shift away from incursions. Cumberbatch's comments suggest a focus on X-Men-based magic characters and possibly a classic Defenders or Midnight Suns storyline.

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The film could explore a Defenders narrative or a Midnight Suns team-up, potentially featuring Moon Knight and even Ghost Rider, as hinted by Ryan Reynolds' comments about Nicolas Cage in "Deadpool & Wolverine."

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Cumberbatch's revelations have opened up a multitude of possibilities for the MCU's future, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's to come.