The imminent theatrical re-release of Avengers: Endgame, dubbed Endgame Encore, is set to include new scenes designed to bridge the gap to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and introduce Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom. Leaked details from these additional scenes have surfaced online, providing a preview of connective tissue to Doomsday and sparking speculation about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Doom's Interest in Bruce Banner
One of the most intriguing additions features Bruce Banner in the aftermath of an event involving Sadie Sink's Jean Grey. Banner is seen attempting to control his Hulk persona using a new "gamma suppression system" in an underground bunker. His test is interrupted by Doctor Doom, who announces "I've come to collect you" before both vanish, leaving behind a glowing green rune. This encounter raises questions about Doom's intentions: is he recruiting Banner for his intellect or his strength? Given Doom's apparent capabilities, such as deflecting Thor's Stormbreaker, it seems more likely he seeks Banner's strategic mind. This could suggest Doom is assembling a team, perhaps a version of the Illuminati to address multiversal crises, or is preparing a contingency plan for a post-multiverse future, potentially positioning Banner as a ruler on a Battleworld.
The Multiverse's Collapse
Another leaked scene depicts the Time Variance Authority (TVA) grappling with a rapidly deteriorating multiverse. Characters like Mr. Mobius, Casey, and Ouroboros observe colliding worlds and inter-Earth conflicts, with reports of thousands of simultaneous "Incursions." This suggests that even with a shift away from Kang the Conqueror as the primary antagonist, the events of the Loki series, which saw the multiverse restored, are crucial precursors to Doomsday. The cause of this simultaneous collapse and its connection to Doom's emergence remain unclear, though a warning from Miss Minutes about beings staying within their designated universes is highlighted.
Loki's Interference at Steve Rogers' Home
The recontextualized ending of Endgame Encore shows Loki arriving at Steve Rogers' and Peggy Carter's home shortly after they reunite. Clad in his TVA attire, Loki's presence suggests he is aware of Steve's violation of temporal laws by remaining in the past. However, instead of forcing Steve's return, Loki's visit might imply a loophole or a deliberate allowance for Steve's continued presence with Peggy. This raises questions about Loki's motives and whether Steve's decision to prioritize his personal happiness is inadvertently triggering the multiversal Incursions.
The Significance of Doom's Armor
Endgame Encore concludes by presenting a revised post-credits scene. Where the original film featured the sound of a hammer striking metal as a callback to Iron Man, the Encore version shows Doctor Doom forging his iconic mask. This scene serves to introduce Doom but also poses questions about his armor. Despite his magical prowess, Doom relies on advanced technology. The armor may be used to conceal facial injuries, potentially related to the loss of his family, as hinted at by a sash on his left arm possibly being a relic of his late wife. This tragedy might also tie into the armor's significance and Doom's motivations.
Answers to these questions are expected when Avengers: Doomsday is released on December 18.