Avengers: Secret Wars Theory Predicts the End of the MCU (and It Makes Sense)

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is facing a critical juncture, with many fans voicing concerns that it’s off course after a run of underwhelming movies. Even those in high positions within Marvel-Disney acknowledge mistakes have been made. As a result, whispers of an MCU reboot are swirling, fueled partly by Robert Downey Jr.’s reported role as Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man, and partly because Marvel has a film scheduled called Avengers: Secret Wars, which references significant comic book events that included the destruction of the Marvel Universe.

A user named Ozymandiiass on the Marvel Studios subreddit has proposed an intriguing fan theory about what could happen to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after “Avengers: Secret Wars.” Instead of a complete reboot of the MCU’s main timeline, this theory suggests that Doctor Doom from the MCU will recreate the events leading up to the “Secret Wars” comic book series. In these events, Doctor Doom would shatter the multiverse and reform it into a mosaic of regions called Battleworld. The subsequent phase of the MCU would then unfold, telling various stories set in different realms within this broken world.

What is Marvel’s Battleworld?

To fully grasp what this could imply for the MCU, it’s crucial to delve deeper into how Battleworld functioned in Marvel Comics about a decade ago. During that time, the ‘Secret Wars’ event was triggered when Doctor Doom amassed godlike powers, destroyed the multiverse, and recreated it as a single planet called Battleworld. This world was further segmented into numerous domains, each operating independently like distinct realities, though physically adjacent to other such dimensions. Each domain was ruled by a Baron appointed by Doctor Doom, who maintained the facade of Battleworld’s unity while concealing its true nature.

Marvel Comics employed a creative approach by reimagining their characters in fresh and entertaining ways, and revisiting old storylines as the foundation for each Battleworld domain’s distinctive state. Series like Age of Ultron, Marvel Zombies, Siege, 1602, Age of Apocalypse, Civil War, House of M, Planet Hulk, Spider-Verse, X-Men ‘92, and many others served as the blueprint for Battleworld-based miniseries. Some of these series contributed to the larger Secret Wars narrative, while others existed independently as standalone tales. Eventually, the few heroes who survived the destruction of the previous multiverse banded together to overcome Doom and (mostly) restore order.

The theory suggests that Marvel Studios might continue a similar trajectory: In the “Avengers: Secret Wars,” Dr. Doom creates Battleworld; subsequent films in the upcoming phase will explore stories within Battleworld’s various realms. These narratives are expected to eventually culminate in the conclusion of the overarching saga initiated in “Avengers: Doomsday” in a film that, while not necessarily bearing the title, will embody the spirit of “Avengers: Secret Wars Part 2.”

Could the MCU’s Next Phase Be Battleworld?

Could it be that the Marvel Cinematic Universe might devote an entire phase to the Battleworld concept? Well, given that anything can happen within the realm of imagination, and with a blueprint provided by the comics – notably those written by Jonathan Hickman who has often been a muse for the MCU – it’s not entirely out of the question.

It’s quite possible that viewers might find it challenging, given the intricate Battleworld concept. Many Reddit comments highlight this issue, particularly since it’s complex even for fans who aren’t deeply immersed in the more outlandish sci-fi aspects of Marvel Comics. Moreover, after experiencing multiple multiverse tales, some fans appear to be growing weary of the concept. Devoting an entire phase of the MCU to stories solely taking place on different sub-worlds could potentially strain their interest levels even further.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” was Marvel Studios’ top movie of 2025, taking place in a universe distinct from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s plausible that Marvel enthusiasts might be open to witnessing tales occurring within Battleworld’s realms, provided they stand independently, like “First Steps,” instead of being centered around the multiverse itself.

Of course, this discussion revolves around speculation since Marvel Studios hasn’t disclosed any definite plans beyond “Avengers: Secret Wars” regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, we do know they’re working on introducing the X-Men into the MCU. For the moment, fans can only sit back and enjoy the ride, waiting to find out where the future Avengers films will lead us.

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2025-09-01 20:47