Marvelmovies are known for their intricate storytelling and jaw-dropping surprises, but there are some wild theories regarding Marvel’s upcoming movies. With the slate of Marvel movies on the horizon, viewers have been buzzing with speculation about where the MCU is heading next. From multiversal chaos to the introduction of new characters and legacy heroes, the possibilities are endless. Theories have been swirling, ranging from plausible narrative turns to outright mind-blowing predictions that could reshape thefuture of the MCU.
The MCU timelinehas been greatly complicated with the introduction of the Multiverse, which provides infinite alternate universes in which anything is possible. This has provided the backdrop for the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, which has been littered with surprising narratives and unexpected cameos. As the saga ventures into its final phase, several theories have emerged regardingMarvel’s next movies, some of which are incredibly plausible.
10Venom 3 Will Introduce Spider-Man’s Black Suit to the MCU
Spider-Man Wore The Black Suit During Secret Wars
One of the most exciting theories surroundingSony’sVenom: The Last Danceis the idea that Tom Hardy’s Venom will cross over into the main MCU continuity, Earth-616, and in doing so, introduce Spider-Man’s iconic black suit. According to the theory, Venom will be forced to travel to Earth-616 toseek help in defeating the god-like villain, Knull, a dark entity tied to the symbiotes. While there, the symbiote that Hardy’s Eddie Brock has bonded with will find Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and merge with him.
This would set up Peter Parker to wear the black suit, finally depicting the famed story in the MCU. This theory ties directly into the larger multiversal chaos ofAvengers: Secret Wars. Secret Warsfamously featured Spider-Man wearing his black suit in the original comic event, so this theory provides a satisfying way to introduce it into the MCU while setting the stage for Holland’s Spider-Man to be more integral to the Avengers’ conflict.
Sam Wilson Has Become The MCU’s Captain America
AsCaptain America: Brave New Worldapproaches, one theory suggests that Sam Wilson will be asked to lead a new, government-sanctioned Avengers team, only to turn the offer down. This theory builds on the events ofCaptain America: Civil WarandThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where Sam Wilson became the new Captain America andexpressed clear disillusionment with governmental control. After the fallout of the Sokovia Accords and the disbandment of the Avengers, the U.S. government may attempt to form their own team, pushing Sam Wilson to head it.
However, Sam’s refusal to cooperate could set the stage for Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross to step in, recruiting a different team: the Thunderbolts. The Thunderbolts, a team composed of morally ambiguous characters and reformed villains. This wouldfill the void left by the Avengers’ absence, giving the MCU a darker, edgier version of the superhero team.
8The Fantastic Four: First Steps Will Feature Franklin Richards and Connect to Secret Wars
Franklin Richards Is Mr Fantastic And The Invinisible Woman’s Son
A theory surrounding theMCU’sThe Fantastic Four: First Stepssuggests that the film will introduce a key player from Marvel Comics: Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. In the comics, Franklin is a mutant with reality-altering abilities, includingthe power to create entire pocket universes. The theory posits that the title “First Steps” refers not only to the team’s origins but also to Franklin as a baby, whose nascent powers will have significant implications for the MCU’s future.
Some theorists believe Franklin Richards will create the Battleworld universe forAvengers: Secret Wars. This could make him a central figure in connecting the events of the Fantastic Four film with the larger MCU saga. Recent behind-the-scenes photos of the cast holding a baby seem to lend credence to this theory, implying thatFranklin’s introduction is more than just a family plot point.
7RDJ’s Doctor Doom Will Debut in Fantastic Four: First Steps
Robert Downey Jr Has Been Cast As The MCU’s Doctor Doom
One of the wildest yet intriguing theories suggests that Robert Downey Jr. will first appear as Doctor Doom inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, and notAvengers: Doomsdayas expected.The Fantastic Four: First Sepsis set in a different universe than the MCU’s primary timeline. According to the theory, RDJ’s Doom willoriginate from this universe and not Earth-616.
This theory fits neatly within the MCU’s ongoing exploration of the multiverse, allowing RDJ to returnwithout disrupting the legacy of Tony Stark’s heroic sacrificeinAvengers: Endgame. By making Doctor Doom a variant from another universe, the MCU can explain why Doom looks like Tony Stark, possibly suggesting that they are variants of the same character. This would then allow Doom to cross over into the main universe to become a significant antagonist inAvengers: Doomsday.
6Wesley Snipes’ Blade Will Pass the Torch to Mahershala Ali’s Blade
Wesley Snipes Returned As Blade In Deadpool & Wolverine
With theMCU’sBladerebootstarring Mahershala Ali, a popular theory suggests that Wesley Snipes will return as the original Blade,passing the torch to the new iteration. This narrative idea, reportedly proposed by Ryan Reynolds, would see Snipes reprise his iconic role one last time, giving closure to his character while introducing Ali’s Blade to the MCU. Some viewers believe this theory is supported by the"there’s only one Blade"line that Deadpool says inDeadpool & Wolverine.
Some have theorized that Blademight not have multiple variants across the multiverse, a phenomenon that has appeared in the MCU (most notably America Chavez). Instead, the theory posits that Ali’s Blade will only emerge after Snipes’ character dies, signaling a transition of the mantle. This passing of the torch would be the perfect follow-up to Snipes’ triumphant cameo inDeadpool & Wolverine.
5RDJ Won’t Be the Only Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday
Robert Downey Jr. Is Cast As The MCU Doctor Doom
Building off the theory of Robert Downey Jr. playing a Doctor Doom variant, another theory suggests that RDJ will not be the only Doom inAvengers: Doomsday. Instead, the film willfeature multiple variants of Doctor Doom, played by numerous actors. This would expand on the multiverse concept while also avoiding the confusion of having RDJ feel too close to Tony Stark.
This theory offers a solution to the problem of RDJ’s casting as Doom in Earth-616 by suggesting that his Doom is a variant from another universe. The primary Doom of Earth-616 could be played by a different actor, allowing the MCU to differentiate between the characters and their respective arcs. This multiversal Parliament of Dooms would echo the comics,where Doctor Doom assembled his own council of variants, making him a formidable threat in the multiverse saga.
4A Variant of Chris Evans’ Captain America Will Appear in Avengers: Secret Wars
Evans' Return Has Been Speculated Since RDJ’s
With the MCU’s focus on the multiverse, one theory gaining traction is the return of Chris Evans as Captain America in heMCU’sAvengers: Secret Wars. The theory posits that Evans will reprise his role as a variant of Steve Rogers, particularly sinceRDJ’s casting as Doctor Doom has revived interest in bringing back original Avengers. The MCU appears to be exploring nostalgic elements from its earlier phases, and Evans’ return could be the ultimate callback.
Some fans believe Evans will return as a darker version of Captain America,possibly as an antagonist. This stems from aCaptain America theorythat suggests that Steve Rogers created an evil variant of himself when he used Loki’s scepter on his alternate self during the time heist inAvengers: Endgame. This evil Cap could return inSecret Wars,providing a thrilling twist to the character’s legacy and perhaps continue building a villainous reunion.
3Avengers: Doomsday Is Secretly An Avengers vs. X-Men Movie
Avengers Vs X-Men Is A Classic Marvel Storyline
Another exciting theory suggests thatAvengers: Doomsdaywill secretly serve as the MCU’s adaptation of “Avengers vs. X-Men,” one of the most iconic comic book storylines. This theoryhinges on the idea that the MCU will introduce the X-Men through the multiverse, with Doomsday serving as the catalyst for their arrival. In the comics, the lead-up to Secret Wars involves two universes battling for survival - something that could be adapted as Earth-616 clashing with the X-Men’s universe.
With Monica Rambeau’s entrapment in the X-Men’s universe hinted at inThe Marvels, setting up a conflict between the two worlds. Doomsday could pit the Avengers against the X-Men,culminating in an epic battle that eventually leads to the merging of the universesinSecret Wars. This theory would provide a perfect opportunity to introduce the X-Men into the MCU and set up future conflicts between the two iconic teams.
2Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Will Return in Avengers: Secret Wars
Hugh Jackman Claimed To Have Retired From The Role After Logan
After Hugh Jackman’s highly-anticipated return as Wolverine inDeadpool & Wolverine, there’s speculation that Jackman will reprise his role once again inAvengers: Secret Wars. Given the multiversal nature of the film,Secret Warswould be the ideal place for Jackman’s Wolverine to appear, potentially alongside other X-Men from alternate realities. Deadpool joked inDeadpool & Wolverinethat Disney will have him playing Wolverine until he’s 90. Some believe thismight actually be closer to reality than not.
Secret Warsis expected to feature numerous variants of iconic characters, making Jackman’s Wolverine a natural fit for the film’s expansive roster. As one of the most beloved portrayals of a comic book character, Jackman’s return would likely be a huge crowd-pleaser, solidifying the connection between the X-Men and the MCU. This theory also ties into the growing expectation that the X-Men will play a major role in the MCU’s future.
1Avengers: Secret Wars Will Reboot the MCU
Avengers: Secret Wars Is The Final Movie In The Multiverse Saga
One of the most talked-about theories regardingAvengers: Secret Warsis that the film will serve as a soft reboot for the MCU, paving the way for new characters and storylines. With the multiverse opening up countless possibilities, theorists speculate thatSecret Warswill conclude with a reshuffled reality,effectively resetting the MCU and allowing for a fresh start. This would allow the franchise to introduce new versions of established characters while retaining key players from the previous phases.
The theory suggests thatSecret Warswillexplore multiple variants of popular heroes, with some continuing into the new MCU timeline and others being retired. The younger roster of heroes, including characters like Kate Bishop, Ms. Marvel, and Spider-Man, could emerge as the new core Avengers team, while the older characters step aside. This reboot would give theMCUa clean slate to launch the next saga, ensuring the franchise remains fresh and exciting for years to come.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
