The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has experienced its share of successes and failures; notably, its biggest box office flop, Avengers: Doomsday, is an underappreciated gem. With the recent cast announcement, this film has emerged as a pivotal installment in the Multiverse Saga. While the Multiverse Saga comprises Phases 4, 5, and 6, it’s no secret that this era has attracted its fair share of criticism—much of which I find valid. However, I hold a different perspective on several films within this timeline.
As we transition from the impactful Infinity Saga, fans have struggled to adapt to a different pacing. It is important for audiences to recognize that not every MCU film can be a cinematic milestone or gross over $1 billion. Surprisingly, many entries in Phases 4 and 5 have underperformed critically and commercially. Yet, I remain convinced that some of these films, despite their box office struggles, offered narrative depth and unique experiences. With Avengers: Doomsday now seemingly topping this list of low performers, I’m excited to see how it will define the Multiverse Saga.
Avengers: Doomsday Cast Announcement Reveals X-Men Icons
The MCU Brings Back Fan Favorites for Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel Studios thrilled fans by livestreaming a cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday, revealing names of the actors in a unique format—director’s chairs showcased each star incrementally. Among the expected MCU favorites like Chris Hemsworth and Paul Rudd, there were unexpected returns, including Tom Hiddleston, whose continued presence is intriguing following his recent storyline in Loki season 2, and Tenoch Huerta’s Namor.
The most shocking aspect, however, is the film’s ties to the Fox X-Men franchise, with notable returns from iconic characters. Check out these confirmed cast members: Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, Ian McKellen as Magneto, and James Marsden as Cyclops. The inclusion of these legendary characters heightens anticipation for what may be the MCU’s most ambitious chapter to date, especially given the groundwork laid by previous films.
The Marvels Paves the Way for X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday
A Major Incursion Could Introduce Fox’s X-Men to the MCU
The post-credits scene of The Marvels set the stage for the intersection between the MCU and X-Men universes. The film’s antagonist, Dar-Benn, opened a rift leading to an alternate universe, which Monica Rambeau addressed by traversing this universe, only to encounter a variant of her mother, Lashana Lynch’s Binary, and Kelsey Grammer’s Beast within the X-Men mansion.
Grammer’s Beast even mentioned contacting Charles Xavier to update him on Monica, suggesting a vital link to Avengers: Doomsday. As we’ve observed in past narratives, multiversal travels can trigger significant consequences, such as incursions—where different Earths collide, often leading to catastrophic outcomes. This scenario presents the intriguing possibility of Monica’s involvement in the X-Men universe instigating an incursion with Earth-616, compelling both the Avengers and the X-Men to unite in their struggle for survival.
The Marvels: An Evolving Narrative in the Multiverse Saga
Reassessing The Marvels’ Contribution Beyond Its Box Office Performance
Despite its positioning as the lowest-grossing MCU movie to date, with a mere $206.1 million globally (as reported by Box Office Mojo), I believe The Marvels brought significant value to the Multiverse Saga. While critiques regarding the film’s forgettable villain and the whimsical tone may hold some weight, I found the film’s treatment of its central trio engaging and refreshing.
The intertwining of their powers enabled a series of creative action sequences that captivated my attention. The film also shone through its stunning visuals, humorous moments, and strong emotional ties among characters. In light of its evolution from a box office misfire to a cornerstone of the Multiverse Saga, The Marvels deserves acknowledgment for its contributions to the expanding MCU narrative landscape.