Marvel movies 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 the future of the MCU.

The MCU timeline has 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 regarding Marvel’s next movies, some of which are incredibly plausible.

10 Venom 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 surrounding Sony’s Venom: The Last Dance is 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 to seek 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 of Avengers: Secret Wars. Secret Wars famously 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.

9 Sam Wilson’s Refusal to Lead a Governmental Avengers Leads to the Thunderbolts

Sam Wilson Has Become The MCU’s Captain America

As Captain America: Brave New World approaches, 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 of Captain America: Civil War and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where Sam Wilson became the new Captain America and expressed clear disillusionment with governmental control. After the fallout of the Sokovia Accords and the disbandment of the Avengers, the U.S. government may try 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 would fill the void left by the Avengers’ absence, giving the MCU a darker, edgier version of the superhero team.

8 The 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 the MCU’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps suggests 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, including the 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 for Avengers: 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 that Franklin’s introduction is more than just a family plot point.

7 RDJ’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 in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and not Avengers: Doomsday as expected. The Fantastic Four: First Seps is set in a different universe than the MCU’s primary timeline. According to the theory, RDJ’s Doom will originate from this universe and not Earth-616.

This theory fits neatly within the MCU’s ongoing exploration of the multiverse, allowing RDJ to return without disrupting the legacy of Tony Stark’s heroic sacrifice in Avengers: 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 in Avengers: Doomsday.

6 Wesley Snipes’ Blade Will Pass the Torch to Mahershala Ali’s Blade

Wesley Snipes Returned As Blade In Deadpool & Wolverine

With the MCU’s Blade reboot starring 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 in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Some have theorized that Blade might 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 in Deadpool & Wolverine.

5 RDJ 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 in Avengers: Doomsday. Instead, the film will feature 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.

4 A 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 he MCU’s Avengers: Secret Wars. The theory posits that Evans will reprise his role as a variant of Steve Rogers, particularly since RDJ’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 a Captain America theory that suggests that Steve Rogers created an evil variant of himself when he used Loki’s scepter on his alternate self during the time heist in Avengers: Endgame. This evil Cap could return in Secret Wars, providing a thrilling twist to the character’s legacy and perhaps continue building a villainous reunion.

3 Avengers: Doomsday Is Secretly An Avengers vs. X-Men Movie

Avengers Vs X-Men Is A Classic Marvel Storyline

Another exciting theory suggests that Avengers: Doomsday will secretly serve as the MCU’s adaptation of “Avengers vs. X-Men,” one of the most iconic comic book storylines. This theory hinges 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 in The 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 universes in Secret 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.

2 Hugh 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 in Deadpool & Wolverine, there’s speculation that Jackman will reprise his role once again in Avengers: Secret Wars. Given the multiversal nature of the film, Secret Wars would be the ideal place for Jackman’s Wolverine to appear, potentially alongside other X-Men from alternate realities. Deadpool joked in Deadpool & Wolverine that Disney will have him playing Wolverine until he’s 90. Some believe this might actually be closer to reality than not.

Secret Wars is 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.

1 Avengers: Secret Wars Will Reboot the MCU

Avengers: Secret Wars Is The Final Movie In The Multiverse Saga

One of the most talked-about theories regarding Avengers: Secret Wars is 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 that Secret Wars will 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 that Secret Wars will explore 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 the MCU a clean slate to launch the next saga, ensuring the franchise remains fresh and exciting for years to come.

Upcoming MCU Movies