With the Marvel Cinematic Universe heading towards ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ in 2026, the pressure has never been greater. The multiverse is being broken, and new heroes are emerging, and even the meaning of the word Avenger has since started to change. While the big-screen blockbusters have laid down the franchise’s bedrock lore, it’s the Disney+ shows that quietly planted narrative seeds now ready to bloom.
In fact, several key twists, character shifts, and world-shaping events happened outside the theaters, making the streaming era essential homework before Marvel’s next mega-team-up.
8. Sam Wilson Got A Major Upgrade
‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ did not just give Sam Wilson the shield; it put him in a leadership position that the MCU has yet to exploit. It was not about having super-soldier serum; it was about having the mantle due to conviction, empathy, and accountability. Sam is publicly acknowledged as Captain America by the government. And he does not hesitate to criticize the weaknesses of world politics. He also takes accountability.
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This puts him in charge of a split group of heroes in ‘Doomsday’. Where Steve Rogers was the soldier-ideal, Sam is the humanitarian leader. He is the type of Captain America that unites the divided teams. And in the face of the chaos of the multiverse that is approaching, the MCU will be in dire need of that grounding.
7. Sylvie’s Choice Shattered The Multiverse In ‘Loki’
If one Disney+ moment changed the MCU forever, it’s Sylvie killing He Who Remains in ‘Loki’ season 1. That act alone released unlimited universes, variations, and brought up much darker versions of Kang. Her desires were very human: a lifetime of trauma, mistrust of any “sacred timeline” authority, and the desperate desire to take back free will.
By stabbing He Who Remains, she did not just destroy the TVA, but the whole narrative box of Marvel. ‘Doomsday’ is getting its tension from the ripple effects of this scene. Moreover, it remains unknown whether Sylvie will be an ally or a warning in the next saga. However, her fingerprints are everywhere.
6. Clint Barton Officially Turned Over The Torch
‘Hawkeye’ might have been holiday-themed fun, but its character shift was massive. Clint Barton no longer plays an active role in the MCU as an arrow-slinger, and Kate Bishop has replaced him as the new Hawkeye. This matters because Kate introduces a fresh heroism to the world.
Her mentorship with Clint reflects one of the first MCU mentorships. She has also demonstrated chemistry with other young heroes. With the universe preparing to pull together new teams, there is a high likelihood that Kate Bishop will easily fit into that lineup. And, emotionally, she symbolizes the future generation of heroes.
5. Ms. Marvel’s Mutation
Kamala Khan’s bubbly personality isn’t the only thing that makes her special. Ms. Marvel confirmed she carries a mutation, marking the MCU’s first openly labeled mutant hero. Moreover, this reveal also recalibrates several directions of the MCU. Mutants have now been established even over the official background of the X-Men.
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Kamala is an intermediary between old-fashioned Avengers and the heroes of the new generation. Additionally, her need to build her own team reminds one of classic Young Avengers. Kamala is also among the few ground-level characters who are emotionally ready to play on the multiverse level, particularly after ‘The Marvels‘.
4. Hulk Is Now A Father
In ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, Bruce Banner informally brings his son, Skaar, to a family dinner. With this eyebrow-raising disclosure, there are a number of story options. This could easily bring the Hulk-family, which was long foreshadowed in comics.
Skaar could be a prospect for Young Avengers. His presence further implies Hulk’s narrative is by no means complete. So, ‘Doomsday’ can easily play him as a wild card.
3. Nick Fury Secret ‘Skrull’ Program
‘Secret Invasion’ revealed a surprising truth: Nick Fury has quietly been helping Skrulls, super-powered shapeshifters, integrate into Earth society for decades. Some of them have been living among humans, undetected.
This makes matters difficult as confidence in international organizations is very much damaged. Fury no longer remains the mastermind he was. There are now super-powered Skrulls throughout the planet with unfamiliar loyalties.
2. Disney+ Has Already Unleashed Nearly All The Young Avengers
Through the streaming programs, Marvel has secretly gathered an entire roster of possible Young Avengers. This includes Kate Bishop, Ms. Marvel, America Chavez, Patriot, Kid Loki, Cassie Lang, and Skaar.
Marvel has not officially stated who the team members will be, but the pieces are definitely there. Whether the group comes together before Doomsday or debuts because of the crisis, they are positioned to carry the MCU’s long-term future.
1. Loki Becomes A Major Part Of The Multiverse
In ‘Loki’ season 2’s emotionally charged performance, Loki was promoted to an unbelievable position as the god of the Multiverse. He was placed at the center of all the timelines, holding them together. This means that Loki has now become one of the strong characters in the MCU.
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Additionally, He may be the last line of defense when the Kang-related collapse begins. His sacrifice places him at the thematic heart of the Multiverse Saga. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ will almost certainly rely on Loki’s new role, whether as a guide, a warning, or the universe’s final safeguard.
