The excitement surrounding Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars has reached a fever pitch, especially with recent cast announcements that signal a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, this enthusiasm is tempered by the stark reality that many beloved characters, who could have enriched these multiversal adventures, were brutally removed from the narrative in a dramatic fashion. The nearly six-hour-long cast reveal has spurred widespread discussions about the direction of the franchise, raising concerns about the absence of key figures.
Reflecting on the early installments of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, it’s evident that there were ample opportunities to introduce a wider array of fascinating characters. As the foundation for a multiversal crisis is being laid, it’s increasingly apparent that certain potential narratives were overlooked, limiting the depth of the crossover elements that audiences crave.
The Illuminati: A Missed Opportunity for Depth
Illuminati: More Than Just Victims of Scarlet Witch
The inclusion of the Illuminati in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness presented a unique opportunity to delve deep into the multiversal concept, potentially creating connections with audiences. Instead of merely serving as foils for the Scarlet Witch, this formidable group, which includes notable characters like Professor X and Mister Fantastic, could have explored narratives that resonate across future phases of the MCU.
Despite their rich comic book legacy, the film chose a path of swift demise for nearly all members, showcasing not only the Scarlet Witch’s power but ultimately squandering their potential impact on the MCU’s evolving storyline. With the franchise advancing towards a significant multiversal clash in upcoming films, having these characters available for audiences to engage with could have added considerable weight to the impending conflict.
Scarlet Witch’s Quick Redemption Undermines Illuminati’s Importance
Wanda’s Sacrifice: A Missed Opportunity for Narrative Depth
The rapid progression from brutal acts against the Illuminati to Wanda’s own sacrificial moment shortly thereafter diminishes any significance their deaths might have held. Not only does this narrative choice seem premature, but it also strips the characters of the agency they could have exercised in the multiverse’s ongoing saga. The notion that these deaths could serve as pivotal plot points appears lost in the aftermath of her redemption arc—further diluting the stakes initially established.
Underlying Reasons for the Illuminati’s Demise
Shifts in Narrative Focus Raise New Questions
Initially, the MCU’s Multiverse Saga was thought to build toward a confrontation in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, but with recent shifts in direction that saw the project evolve into Avengers: Doomsday, the creative team opted to eliminate the Illuminati with haste. This shift, propelled by changes in narrative focus, raises questions about whether the franchise’s original intention was to keep these characters as pragmatic allies or adversaries in the multiversal narrative.
With the latest developments surrounding Kang and his dismissal from the MCU due to real-world controversies, the need for iconic figures who can navigate these multiversal complexities has become paramount. As the focus pivots to Doctor Doom, the loss of the Illuminati appears even more regrettable, as they could have effectively served as either allies or obstacles in the conflicts ahead. Such themes would lend a richer tapestry to the ongoing saga, fostering deeper engagement with the audience moving forward.