Avengers: Doomsday May Be More Like 2012 Than Infinity War Or Endgame

by

Summary

  • Avengers: Doomsday may not be another Infinity War or Endgame, but rather akin to The Avengers in 2012.
  • MCU lacks an essential team setup for the upcoming saga, potentially affecting the impact of Doomsday and Secret Wars.
  • Secret Wars hinges on the presence of an Avengers team to create impactful crossovers and character interactions.

The impending grand showdown for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is drawing nearer with films like “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars“. However, the lead-up to these events feels unusual. Reflecting on the MCU’s post-“Endgame” phase, it appears that instead of winding down, the upcoming projects are more akin to setting off a new series, much like the start in 2012.

From the very start, when “Doomsday” was known as “The Kang Dynasty,” it has been evident that Marvel Studios aimed to recreate the epic two-part saga of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame.” The similarities were apparent, particularly with the Russo brothers returning to direct these movies, much like they did during Phase 3. Moreover, Robert Downey Jr.’s reprisal of Doctor Doom has heightened anticipation and fan expectations. However, considering the current situation, it might be wise for fans to adjust their expectations, especially regarding the impact these films could have on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future trajectory.

Is The MCU Rushing Towards Doomsday?

An Essential Team Setup Is Still Missing

In three years, on May 1, 2026, the film “Avengers: Doomsday” will hit the screens, but it seems much further off than just three films away in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four. While these three movies are expected to delve deeply into new character introductions, team formations, and narrative developments, they may not be able to establish a base as strong as that of Infinity War or Endgame for a similar event. However, it’s not certain that Doomsday and Secret Wars will need to match the impact of the previous two-part event; instead, their influence on the way audiences perceive these movies (and the franchise overall) is something to keep an eye on.

*Note: The title Thunderbolts is fictional and used for illustrative purposes only, as the actual title has not been officially announced by Marvel Studios.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga, it seems that there have been more flops than successes. The films that managed to succeed, such as “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” have overemphasized cameos and the multiverse crossover element, rather than focusing on organic story development. For instance, movies like “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Eternals” were integrated into the franchise but were not given much follow-up attention. These new heroes and characters have certainly made a lasting impression; there’s no disputing that. However, the main concern lies in the absence of meaningful connections or interactions between these characters, particularly the lack of a team dynamic, which is crucial for a cohesive universe.

Doomsday Isn’t Endgame, It’s The 2012 Avengers

It might be wise for both the creators and fans to adjust their expectations regarding Avengers: Doomsday. Instead of anticipating another epic like Infinity War or Endgame, it’s more appropriate to view it as reminiscent of Joss Whedon’s original The Avengers. The Marvel cinematic universe truly evolved significantly after the 2012 film, reshaping not only Marvel but the entire entertainment industry. While it’s unrealistic to expect the same magnitude of impact, it’s still justifiable to hope that Doomsday incorporates the team-building dynamic from the first movie.

In essence, we haven’t seen a new Avengers team form during Phases 4 and 5 of this storyline. This is similar to moving directly from significant events such as “Age of Ultron” or “Civil War” to “Endgame”, bypassing crucial moments. However, there’s potential for a new Avengers team to be unveiled in the upcoming films, possibly including teams like “Thunderbolts” or “Brave New World”. Additionally, Doctor Doom will make his entrance in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, much like how Thanos was gradually established as the main antagonist.

Secret Wars Won’t Work Without An Avengers Team

Following the releases of “Doomsday” and “Spider-Man 4”, “Secret Wars” is anticipated to push boundaries even further by incorporating X-Men characters and additional versions of existing Marvel Cinematic Universe personalities. However, for this epic storyline to be truly successful, it’s crucial that a core Avengers team experiences it all – sharing victories, defeats, and personal growth as a team. This was powerfully demonstrated when the Avengers crossed paths with the Guardians of the Galaxy in “Infinity War”. By investing time into both groups, audiences developed genuine interest in their interactions.

The absence of this key element would prevent Marvel Studios’ crossovers, such as Secret Wars, from achieving the intended impact. Moreover, the upcoming Thunderbolts film could be akin to the 2012 Avengers in that it brings together six characters to battle a foe. It’s also plausible that the asterisk in the Thunderbolts title hints at a possible name change to groups like the Young Avengers or New Avengers, laying the groundwork for future storylines like Doomsday and Secret Wars.

MCU’s New Heroes Feel Too Disconnected

The Russo Brothers have likened the upcoming Avengers films to their major projects from 2018-19. In an interview with Collider at the 2024 New York Comic Con, they discussed the similarities between these works and what inspired them to revisit the franchise, explaining why they chose to return.

Our goal is reminiscent of the Infinity War and Endgame films, promising epic adventures featuring numerous characters and interwoven narratives. We are thrilled about the tales we’ve crafted, which is why we’re eager to continue working on these projects. The ideas we have for these movies feel particularly robust, and we’re delighted with how they’re shaping up so far.

Essentially, Marvel has a set of fresh heroes who haven’t had much contact with one another yet. Although it’s not necessary to rehash the successful formulas from before, it does raise some questions. The management skillfully addressed the Jonathan Majors and Kang situation by introducing familiar faces that boosted the franchise. However, there’s still a significant possibility that the original six Avengers from the 2012 film might confront someone like Thanos in Avengers: Doomsday straight away, which remains a concern.

Read More

2025-01-23 20:26