The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to surprises, but the latest theory surrounding ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ may be the most intriguing yet. With Robert Downey Jr. stepping back into the MCU as Doctor Doom, fans have been speculating about all the ways this could turn out.
However, a fascinating new theory has taken things up a notch, tying Doctor Doom’s rise to power with the least expected film, ‘Eternals’. This potential connection not only offers Doom a massive power upgrade but also provides Marvel with a smart workaround for complex comic book lore.
Doctor Doom MCU Power Upgrade Could Change Everything
In March, Marvel kicked off ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ production with a 5-hour live stream, confirming 25 actors for the movie. However, the real intrigue came later, when RDJ shared a photo of his “Doom Workstation Essentials” on Instagram. Among other things, there was a copy of Doom #1 by Jonathan Hickman. This was no random choice. In this issue, Doctor Doom becomes a celestial-level being capable of fighting Galactus and wins.
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The implication? Marvel might be taking a similar route for Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. So where could Doom get that kind of power in the MCU? Surprisingly, the answer may lie in ‘Eternals’, one of the most divisive and often-overlooked movies in Phase 4. In ‘Eternals’, Marvel introduced the concept of Celestials seeding planets to birth new gods, which could potentially be harnessed.
If Doom finds a way to access or harvest the blood or essence of a Celestial, he could become unstoppable. It’s the perfect blend of classic Doom intellect and the MCU’s ongoing exploration of power origin stories. This theory also echoes how the MCU handled Hulk, Sentry, and Captain America and it could be the narrative bridge that makes Doom more than just another tyrant.
Why Doctor Doom As The Main Villain Makes More Sense Than Kang Now
In the comics, Doom’s rise to godhood during ‘Secret Wars’ involved the obscure Molecule Man and godlike Beyonders. However, these entities are not yet introduced in the MCU. For many, it felt inevitable that Marvel would need to dive deep into complicated multiversal characters to set up ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. This theory offers a cleaner route.
By granting Doom celestial-level power through established MCU lore, Marvel can streamline the storytelling. Kang the Conqueror was originally positioned as the Multiverse Saga’s big bad. His appearances in Loki and Quantumania set the stage for a complex, time-twisting war. However real-world controversies and shifting audience reception made Kang’s future uncertain.
This resulted in Doctor Doom’s entry. He’s a fan favorite, a character-rich with depth and menace, and a villain who can be both terrifying and charismatic. Giving Doom the spotlight now, especially portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., adds fresh energy to a saga that many believe has lost focus. And by linking Doom’s power-up to ‘Eternals’, Marvel even manages to redeem a movie that many had dismissed.
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Delay Signals A New Era For The MCU
Originally scheduled for May 2026, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ has now been pushed to December 18, 2026. This marks a massive shift that breaks a 13-year tradition of May releases for Avengers films. This change speaks volumes. With only two MCU movies planned for 2026, Disney is clearly prioritizing quality over quantity. After the mixed reactions to Phase 4 and 5, it’s a much-needed reset.
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Interestingly, ‘Thunderbolts*’ aka The New Avengers, may have played a part in Marvel’s shifting tactics. Despite solid critical reception, its box office was underwhelmed. Forecasts suggest it may not even crack $400 million globally, which is below par for the franchise. This performance could have made Marvel re-evaluate their strategy, giving more time to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’ to ensure they stick to the landing.
The pressure is immense. But if Doom is going to become a god and reshape reality, the stakes deserve time and care. Additionally, if the theory is correct, and Doom absorbs celestial power and positions himself as the Multiverse’s supreme being, Marvel could deliver the most formidable villain the MCU has ever seen. All in all ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ may be the turning point.
