The upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday, does not include a multiversal superhero team to combat the formidable Doctor Doom. However, its successor, Avengers: Secret Wars, is poised to introduce such characters, potentially positioning them as key players in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With an extensive roster of heroes from the Infinity Saga and the Multiverse Saga, alongside non-MCU representations and novel variants from alternate dimensions, both films face the challenge of curating a diverse but manageable cast.
Marvel Studios has revealed the cast for Avengers: Doomsday, which will prominently feature four key teams: the Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the Avengers. Together, they must confront the threat posed by Robert Downey Jr.’s rendition of Doctor Doom. While additional characters are likely to make cameo appearances, the core groups seem set for this initial multiversal crossover. Notably absent are fan-favorite characters like Doctor Strange and Spider-Man, as well as several multiversal beings likely aware of Doctor Doom’s malevolent actions.
Notable Absences in Avengers: Doomsday’s Cast Announcements
The Council of Reeds: A Missed Opportunity Against Doctor Doom
In the comic book universe, the Council of Reeds comprises multiple variants of Reed Richards, who unify to oversee the multiverse’s stability. Originating from three variants wielding the Infinity Gauntlet, this council effectively managed threats like Doctor Doom but required its members to abandon their original timelines. Given the recent MCU introductions of two alternative Reed Richards, fans speculated that the Council might intervene in the conflict of Avengers: Doomsday.
Despite speculation, the announcement has only confirmed participation from the titular Fantastic Four from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, without including other well-known teams or their respective iterations from previous Fox movies. However, the anticipated return of Fox’s original X-Men implies that these characters might not join forces until the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars, which is expected to embrace a broader multiversal narrative.
The Possible Role of the Council of Reeds in Avengers: Secret Wars
The Council of Reeds: A Strategic Countermeasure Against Doctor Doom
Characters like Ioan Gruffudd’s and Miles Teller’s versions of Reed Richards would be intriguing additions to Avengers: Doomsday. Their history with Doctor Doom positions them well within this film’s multiversal framework. Their return as constituents of the MCU’s Council of Reeds could prove essential in addressing multiversal crises.
Their combined experience may have equipped them to confront threats like Doctor Doom more effectively than the main Avengers or the current Fantastic Four. After the events of their respective films, these variants could have become aware of the multiverse and embraced their roles in preserving it. When Pedro Pascal’s version of Reed finally joins the MCU, their collaboration is poised to be a significant facet in Avengers: Secret Wars.
The Council of Reeds May Already Have a Footprint in the MCU
The Scarlet Witch’s Actions May Hint at the Council of Reeds’ Existence
There are indications that the MCU may have introduced a member of the Council of Reeds as early as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. John Krasinski’s Earth-838 vision of Mister Fantastic exemplified a heroic figure battling alongside the Illuminati, only to fall victim to Scarlet Witch. Given the capability of Earth-838 in terms of technological advancement, it’s plausible that Krasinski’s Reed was part of the Council and had their own defenders against threats like the Scarlet Witch.
Should Krasinski’s Reed have been involved with the Council, it’s conceivable that multiversal counterparts took note of his demise at the hands of a notorious Earth-616 supervillain, compelling them to target the MCU’s central timeline. While it’s improbable that the Council will show up in Avengers: Doomsday, they could emerge in Avengers: Secret Wars, mirroring Captain Marvel’s unexpected yet crucial role in the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame.