As the Marvel Cinematic Universe barrels toward its epic Phase 6 climax, it’s no surprise that secrecy is at an all-time high. However, even in the tightly controlled world of Marvel Studios, a slip-up can still spark a wave of speculation.
Alan Cumming, the beloved actor reprising his role as Nightcrawler, recently found himself in the hot seat after dropping what fans assumed were ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ spoilers.
The Fantastic Four Stars Confront Alan Cumming’s Spoiler Mishap
Alan Cumming’s previous comments during a BuzzFeed UK interview sent Marvel fans into a frenzy when he seemingly confirmed a fight scene with Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards. However, in a recent joint appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Cumming reunited with Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, and the cast didn’t hold back their reactions.
Related: Comic-Accurate Rebirth Of Galactus In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Explained
Let’s face it, Marvel spoilers are practically treated like state secrets these days. That’s why Alan Cumming’s casual comment about doing stunts and “hitting Pedro Pascal against the head” during ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ training raised more than a few eyebrows. But it was all in good fun when Pascal and his co-stars confronted the actor on national television.
Pedro Pascal, grinning, wasted no time asking: “Did you get in trouble?” Vanessa Kirby added, “Did they phone you up?” “My publicist called me. The wrath of your publicist is not a wrath you want to have,” Cumming replied. He then playfully tried to walk it back, teasing, “I said a thing about us fighting, but cub’s honor, have you done what I said? Have you been in a fight with me in this film, Pedro?”
Pascal laughed, “Alan and I have never had a fight.” “See? So actually, maybe I got it wrong and the fight was about somebody else and I was double-bluffing you, Marvel people!” Cumming added. Whether or not Nightcrawler throws hands with Mr. Fantastic, one thing is clear: ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is going to be a massive, multiversal convergence.
Matt Shakman On Russo Brothers Directing ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
While the cast banter dominated headlines, there was a quieter, more meaningful handoff happening behind the scenes. ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ director Matt Shakman has officially passed the baton to the Russo Brothers, who will helm ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. And their preparation began early. At the red carpet premiere of ‘First Steps’, Shakman revealed that Joe and Anthony Russo had been closely involved in the production.
In case you missed it: How ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Could Be MCU’s Big Redemption Arc
“They were there, watching how the Fantastic Four interacted, how the characters moved, the tone of it all,” Shakman said. “They’re inheriting these characters next, and they wanted to understand them not just on the page, but in motion, in real moments.” This kind of crossover collaboration isn’t new to the MCU. Additionally, it shows the level of precision Marvel is employing to make ‘Doomsday’ a seamless, cohesive conclusion to The Multiverse Saga.
It also highlights how integral the Fantastic Four will be to that narrative. These aren’t side characters as they’re clearly being groomed to help lead the next generation of Marvel storytelling. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige even confirmed that sets from ‘First Steps’ will feature prominently in Doomsday. “We’re shooting on all the same sets,” Feige said. “The Baxter Building living room and kitchen, where we saw the Four getting to know each other… let’s just say there are a lot more people in that kitchen in Avengers: Doomsday.”
