The MCU’s Multiverse Saga Keeps Recycling the Same Plot Point, and It’s Getting Old

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As the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Storyline reaches its closing chapters, it seems that a particular plot device has been excessively repeated. The forthcoming movies such as “Spider-Man: Fresh Start“, “Avengers: Apocalypse“, and “Avengers: Final Battle” are the only Multiverse Storyline films yet to premiere, promising an exciting conclusion to this chapter. Over the past four years, MCU Phases 4 through 6 have introduced numerous fascinating new characters, explored various realities, and crafted captivating tales. Notable titles like “WandaVision“, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*“, and “The Thunderbolts” stand out as some of the best releases since “Avengers: Endgame“, thanks to their character-focused and deeply emotional narratives. Despite the Multiverse Storyline’s bumpy lead-up to “Doomsday” and “Final Battle“, there are still many reasons to appreciate it. However, a certain plot device has been overused throughout this story arc.

*Note: The release date for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is yet to be confirmed as of March 2023.

It’s noticeable that the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga frequently revolves around children who are either gifted or targeted by villains. In films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Agatha All Along, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as well as the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, this concept is recurrently used. Regrettably, this repetitive focus on young characters as plot devices feels tired and expected, and it seems the MCU isn’t ready to move away from this pattern yet.

The Multiverse Saga’s Obsession With Hunted and Kidnapped Children, Explained

In recent Marvel Cinematic Universe productions, a common theme emerges where antagonists seek to exploit children as a means to achieve their objectives. This pattern is evident in five films released over the past three years. For instance, in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) pursues America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) for her power to traverse dimensions, intending to locate her lost children across alternate realities. Simultaneously, Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), in “Thor: Love and Thunder,” abducts a group of Asgardian youngsters from their homes on Earth to entice Thor (Chris Hemsworth) into a deadly confrontation as part of his campaign against deities. Similarly, in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the underwater nation of Talokan retaliates against the CIA’s use of Riri Williams/Ironheart’s (Dominique Thorne) invention to discover vibranium near their territory by kidnapping her.

Let’s jump to the Disney+ series “Agatha All Along”, where the character Rio Vidal/Death, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, persistently chases Billy Maximoff (Joe Locke) because he tricked death by transferring his spirit into a deceased body. Meanwhile, in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, the narrative centers significantly on the birth of Franklin Richards, the child of Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal). The cosmic entity Galactus is drawn to Franklin’s tremendous power, offering to save their planet if they agree to hand over the baby.

The idea itself isn’t problematic since the young characters in MCU movies have effectively portrayed family-centric themes and captivating character interactions. Moreover, characters like America, Riri, and Billy were essential for realizing the MCU’s apparent goal of bringing the Young Avengers to life on screen. However, using familiar storylines centered around these characters might not be the most engaging way for audiences to get introduced to new heroes.

The Multiverse Saga has predominantly revolved around family-related themes, producing some truly heartwarming narratives. Nevertheless, the trope of children being used as plot devices to fuel a villain’s motivation is starting to feel repetitive.

Avengers: Doomsday‘s Problems Are Piling Up

The Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t done putting powerful kids in peril during the Multiverse Saga. The mid-credits scene of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” suggests that Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., will abduct Franklin and set off the storyline for “Avengers: Doomsday”. It’s clear that Franklin won’t be the only focus of the movie. Instead, “Doomsday” is expected to tackle various plotlines such as incursions, the reintroduction of the Fox X-Men, and the Avengers versus New Avengers conflict. However, it’s disappointing that Franklin might just be a tool in the story, similar to his role in “First Steps”.

Remarkably, it’s worth noting that Doomsday doesn’t seem to be troubled by its most critical issues, given the film’s reported absence of character development for its villain and current Avengers team, an incomplete script during production, and a strategy to re-attract audiences through the return of Downey Jr. and directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Yet, repeatedly using the same storyline as the Multiverse Saga has done in recent years lowers expectations that Doomsday will be anything more than a hodgepodge of recycled plot points and nostalgic references. However, the teaser First Steps doesn’t offer many insights into Doctor Doom’s quest for Franklin, leaving open the possibility that the film could deliver an unexpected twist to distinguish it from the repetitive arcs of other Multiverse Saga stories. Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster, set nearly a decade apart, should aim for a more original and imaginative approach, and only time will reveal if it manages to do so.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters.

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2025-08-03 01:40