Major MCU Secret Wars Spoiler Alert: A Key Character's Fate Revealed Prematurely

Anticipation is high for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe films, "Avengers: Doomsday" and its direct sequel, "Avengers: Secret Wars." Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have confirmed they are drawing inspiration from both Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic's acclaimed 2015 'Secret Wars' comic series and the original 1984 miniseries. This approach allows them to create their unique version of the story, utilizing elements from both influential runs.

A significant development for "Avengers: Secret Wars" is the casting of Noah Jupe (known from 'A Quiet Place') in a mystery role. This news has fueled considerable online speculation, including theories that Jupe might portray a character linked to the X-Men, especially given the upcoming mutant team reboot and the potential return of figures like Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. However, a prominent theory, strongly supported by Hickman and Ribic's comic storyline, suggests Jupe could play a teenage Franklin Richards, the reality-warping son of Reed and Sue Richards.

The 2015 'Secret Wars' comic storyline by Hickman and Ribic features a truly apocalyptic event where Earth-616 and Earth-1610 collide, leading to the destruction of both realities. Doctor Doom, having acquired godlike powers, then reconstructs fragments of these realities into a new "Battleworld," which he rules as God Emperor. In this new reality, Doom alters history, making Sue Storm his consort and Franklin Richards one of his children. Following the intense narrative, Franklin ultimately uses his immense reality-warping abilities to rebuild the Marvel Universe.

If Noah Jupe is indeed cast as a teenage Franklin Richards, "Avengers: Secret Wars" is likely to adapt this emotional storyline where Franklin and Sue become part of Doom's new family. This narrative promises significant emotional depth, showcasing Reed Richards' fight to rescue his family from Doom, while also exploring the possibility of Doom finding a measure of peace after his past tragedies. Furthermore, a character with the power to literally reshape the universe with his fingertips offers a compelling avenue for "Avengers: Secret Wars" to potentially serve as a grand reboot for the MCU, introducing this concept in a monumental way.

The groundwork for Franklin Richards' pivotal role might already be established through "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." This film reportedly features Franklin in a key capacity, where his birth attracts Galactus to Earth. After defeating the Devourer, Franklin's powers are shown to be capable of bringing Sue Storm back from the brink of death. The mid-credits scene of "First Steps" also teases Doctor Doom's encounter with a younger Franklin, hinting at the monarch's intentions to harness the child's abilities for his own schemes. This could explain why the Fantastic Four depart their reality in "Avengers: Doomsday," embarking on a mission to save Franklin while confronting Doom.

A recent fan theory further suggests a tragic path for Franklin in "Avengers: Secret Wars," with "Avengers: Doomsday" potentially ending with Franklin and his uncle, Johnny (Joseph Quinn), as two of the few survivors of Doom's wrath, witnessing the final incursion that shatters reality. The confirmed cast for these films includes Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch. "Avengers: Doomsday" is slated for release on December 18, 2026, followed by "Avengers: Secret Wars" on December 17, 2027.