The Marvel Cinematic Universe has built a reputation for adapting some of Marvel Comics’ most iconic storylines. However, it doesn’t always get them right. In some cases, the franchise successfully streamlines decades of complex narratives into single movies.
Whereas, other times, it completely misses the mark. One of the biggest missed opportunities in the MCU is its adaptation (or lack thereof) of ‘New Avengers: Illuminati’.
The Comic Book Illuminati Shaped Marvel History
In Marvel Comics, ‘New Avengers: Illuminati’ is an extension of the New Avengers saga and plays a crucial role in shaping the Marvel Universe. This pivotal storyline in the comics changed the course of the Marvel Universe, yet the MCU reduced it to a mere Easter egg in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.
Instead of being a secret council of Earth’s most powerful superheroes guiding the fate of the world, the Illuminati in the MCU were little more than a throwaway alternate-universe cameo. Ultimately, they served no real purpose. This isn’t the first time the MCU has watered down beloved Marvel storylines.
Additionally, the Illuminati operated behind the scenes, making decisions that would shape the fate of Earth. Their actions led to some of Marvel Comics’ most significant events, including their decision to exile the Hulk, which set the stage for Planet Hulk and World War Hulk.
They also played a key role in Secret Invasion, as their mistakes directly led to the Skrull infiltration of Earth. The storyline was morally complex, dealing with themes of power, secrecy, and the cost of making world-altering decisions. Their actions were controversial, sometimes noble, and other times devastating. However, no matter what, they mattered.
How the MCU Failed The Illuminati
When the Illuminati finally appeared in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’, it should have been a game-changing moment for the MCU. Instead, it was one of the biggest disappointments of Phase 4. The Multiverse of Madness version of the Illuminati consisted of Professor X, Reed Richards, Captain Carter, Black Bolt, Captain Marvel, and Karl Mordo.
While this lineup featured some major characters, it completely missed the point of the Illuminati. First, these weren’t Earth-616’s true Illuminati. This was a multiversal side group that existed only on Earth-838. They had no influence over the main MCU timeline, making their existence feel meaningless.
Second, their fate was embarrassing. Within minutes of their introduction, they were brutally slaughtered by Scarlet Witch. While the scene was undeniably shocking, it ultimately made the Illuminati feel like a gimmick used to show how powerful Wanda was. Moreover, they were reduced to disposable multiversal variants that didn’t even last a full movie.
MCU’s Frustrating Pattern Of Oversimplifying Classic Storylines
This botching of ‘New Avengers: Illuminati’ isn’t an isolated incident. The MCU has a habit of taking beloved, intricate Marvel stories and simplifying them to the point of irrelevance. This includes several storylines like Secret Invasion, Age Of Ultron, and Planet Hulk.
In case you missed it: The Incredible Hulk: Inspirations Behind Marvel’s Green Goliath
In the comics, Secret Invasion was a massive crossover event, revealing that Skrulls had infiltrated every level of Earth’s power structures, including the Avengers themselves. Moreover, this caused a lot of paranoia and distrust among heroes and made for one of Marvel’s most intense and suspenseful storylines.
In the MCU, however, Secret Invasion was reduced to a small-scale Disney+ series that lacked the grandeur of the comics. Instead of a shocking global conspiracy, it felt more like a routine spy thriller. Additionally, the absence of Avengers made it even worse. Another example is ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’.
The comic book Age of Ultron storyline depicted a dystopian future where Ultron had completely taken over the world. The movie, however, turned Ultron into a generic one-and-done villain. His arc was rushed, and he never posed the true existential threat. A
Additionally, the Planet Hulk storyline is one of the greatest Hulk arcs ever, depicting the Hulk being exiled by the Illuminati and becoming a gladiator in an alien world. The MCU squeezed elements of Planet Hulk into ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, reducing it to a comedic subplot. While Ragnarok was a great movie, it completely undermined Hulk’s emotional journey from the comics.
