The initial trailer for Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday has ignited a fervor of fan speculation, with viewers meticulously analyzing its brief runtime for clues about the MCU's next major crossover event. While the trailer deliberately obscures many plot details, the Marvel community has already generated a spectrum of theories, ranging from the fate of prominent heroes to the true nature of the film's antagonist, Doctor Doom.
One pervasive theory suggests Doctor Doom will emerge victorious, an idea bolstered by Robert Downey Jr.'s anticipated return in "Secret Wars" in 2027. The comic storyline of "Secret Wars" involves Doctor Doom deconstructing the multiverse into a single planet, Battleworld. This suggests that Doom's machinations in "Doomsday" are a prerequisite for this grander event, potentially explaining the absence of certain heroes who play critical roles in the "Secret Wars" comics.
The conspicuous absence of characters like Captain Marvel, Star-Lord, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange from the "Doomsday" trailer has fueled further speculation. Fans hypothesize that these heroes might be reserved for "Secret Wars" as reinforcements, aligning with their roles in the comics as survivors of Doom's actions. Explanations for their current non-involvement vary, with some suggesting the Guardians of the Galaxy have no stake in an Earth-centric conflict unless their own sector is threatened, as was the case in "Infinity War" and "Endgame." Doctor Strange's absence is similarly attributed to his preoccupation with the Dark Dimension following the events of "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," alongside his new associate Clea.
Concerns about potential retcons or unseen additions to the "Doomsday" roster are also prevalent. Similar to the surprise appearances of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in "Spider-Man: No Way Home," fans believe "Doomsday" could still feature unannounced characters. Some even posit that the trailer may consist solely of footage from the first half of the film, hinting at more reveals to come. Odd visual gaps in certain trailer scenes, particularly during a pep talk from Thor, have led some to theorize that characters may have been edited out, echoing suspicions from the "No Way Home" promotional material.
A particularly intriguing theory questions the identity of the Steve Rogers seen in the trailer. While the return of Chris Evans as Captain America is a focal point, some fans speculate it might be Captain Hydra, a variant aligned with Doctor Doom in the comics who can also wield Thor's hammer. Other, more complex theories propose that this Steve Rogers could be Loki or Doctor Doom in disguise, pointing to Thor's seemingly exaggerated reaction to seeing him as potential evidence. However, many fans caution against overanalyzing such details, suggesting that the trailer's editing and presentation may be misleading.
Another fan hypothesis connects Loki's role as a multiversal caretaker to Steve Rogers's past. It's suggested that Loki may have traveled back in time to warn Steve, who retired to the past with Peggy Carter, that his timeline is in danger. This theory has seen some traction due to a brief appearance of Loki in his classic suit near Peggy's house, a moment some viewers interpret as a direct visual confirmation.
Beyond character identities, the trailer offers glimpses into Doctor Doom's formidable power. One scene depicts him blocking Thor's Stormbreaker with two fingers, with his gauntlet displaying what appear to be Latverian Sorcery Runes. This detail suggests Doom's might stems from magic rather than sheer physical strength, distinguishing him from previous MCU villains like Thanos, who relied on the Infinity Stones. In the comics, Doom's sorcery is a potent blend of Runic Magic, ancient spells, and mastery of the Dark Arts, augmented by soul absorption. The runes on his gauntlet are believed to act as a mystic conductor, capable of neutralizing Odinforce-level attacks, positioning him as a uniquely powerful adversary.
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for a December 18 release.