Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige recently discussed the upcoming film, Avengers: Secret Wars, and the direction it will take for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While some fans might be concerned about a possible reboot, Feige clarified that it’s more about resetting the timeline, not completely starting over.
Changes Ahead for the MCU
Feige hinted that Secret Wars could dramatically change the landscape of the MCU. This film draws inspiration from the 2015 Secret Wars comics, introducing a storyline that saw the merging of the Ultimate Universe with the main 616 universe. This could also mean that the Fantastic Four will finally be integrated into the MCU, further expanding its rich roster of heroes.
As the MCU prepares to bring in more mutants and the X-Men, many are anticipating the shifts this will create within the multiverse saga. The introduction of these iconic characters hints at exciting developments and challenges for the existing heroes and storylines.
A New Timeline, Not a Reboot
When speaking to the press, Feige explicitly avoided using the term "reboot." Instead, he referred to a "reset" and a "singular timeline." This suggests that while older characters might be retained, new heroes like the Fantastic Four and the X-Men will find their place within the ongoing MCU narrative. One of the highlights is that it looks like the X-Men will be among the first to explore this new timeline. Their debut is planned around the MCU’s 20th anniversary in 2028.
Feige acknowledged that there could be recasts for long-time characters like Tony Stark/Iron Man and Steve Rogers/Captain America, especially after returning fan-favorites in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday.
Evolving Legacy
Marvel’s approach seems to strike a balance between maintaining existing characters and introducing new stories. With heroes like Sam Wilson and Riri Williams stepping into roles left by established characters, there’s no rush to transfer the mantle back to Stark or Rogers. This way, Marvel can also explore history-altering changes that come along with the Fresh Start initiative through Secret Wars.
Additionally, recasting can lead to fresh interpretations of characters, including a potentially different take on Doctor Doom. This could help reduce costs compared to big stars like Robert Downey Jr., allowing Marvel to allocate budgets more effectively for future films.
Timing for a Milestone
The developments in the MCU also align perfectly with the franchise’s 20th anniversary. The MCU kicked off with Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk back in 2008, and it celebrated its 10-year milestone with Avengers: Infinity War, which unified multiple storylines into one massive crossover.
Now, as Marvel approaches its 20th anniversary, they seem poised for a new beginning that could attract audiences who may not want to catch up on two decades of content. This "fresh start" offers a new jumping-off point for both new viewers and long-time fans.
What’s Next for the X-Men?
There are hints that the X-Men might lead the way into Phase 7, potentially starting what many are calling the "Mutant Saga." Marvel has already set release dates for 2028 — February 18, May 5, November 10, and December 15 — and one of these slots is believed to be reserved for the X-Men’s new introduction to the MCU.
Since the X-Men were pivotal in ushering in the modern superhero genre, it makes sense for them to spearhead this new chapter for Marvel. Instead of rebooting, Marvel appears to be crafting an exciting evolution, paving the way for both familiar and fresh stories for years to come.
In summary, Avengers: Secret Wars is a significant milestone for the MCU, setting the stage for both new and old characters. With a reset rather than a reboot on the horizon, fans can look forward to plenty of exciting developments in the coming years.
