Summary
Highlights
Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr. released a new video for "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Secret Wars." This sparks questions about Spider-Man's role, his relationship with Doctor Doom, and the narrative changes implemented by the Russo brothers. Marvel is using promotional tactics similar to previous films like "Captain America: Civil War" and "Deadpool," favoring funny promos over traditional trailers to avoid spoilers. More such content is expected throughout the year, especially with New York Comic Con approaching.
The promotional videos also serve the actors' personal business interests, as their contracts with Disney and Marvel allow them to leverage the hype of the MCU. Robert Downey Jr. has earned significant amounts from his Marvel contracts, including a new $80 million deal for "Doomsday" and "Secret Wars," and substantial profits from previous films. Tom Holland's earnings have also increased significantly with his new Spider-Man trilogy contract. Many successful Marvel actors, including Holland and Downey Jr., reinvest their wealth into their own businesses, using Marvel's marketing to boost sales before eventually selling these ventures for profit.
A major change in "Avengers 5: Doomsday" is the relationship between Spider-Man and the new Doctor Doom. This version of Doctor Doom, seen in the "Fantastic Four" post-credits scene, comes from the 828 universe and has a 1960s-inspired design. Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to play this character. To make him recognizable to audiences, Marvel plans to have Franklin Richards heal Doom's scarred face, making him resemble Tony Stark. This setup will create a shocking moment where MCU heroes, particularly Spider-Man, will mistake Doctor Doom for a returned Tony Stark.
Spider-Man's emotional state in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is explored, showing him struggling with isolation and constantly being Spider-Man. The Punisher will also play a significant role, inadvertently pushing Spider-Man to a darker place due to his willingness to kill villains, contrasting with Spider-Man's moral code. The symbiote arc, which traditionally depicts Spider-Man being driven to darkness, will also be a background element. Since "Doomsday" now follows "Brand New Day," a post-credit scene in the latter will likely set up Doom's presence without needing extensive explanation.
Doctor Strange's spell made all Avengers forget Peter Parker's identity, remembering only Spider-Man. The only exception is Bruce Banner's Hulk, who is immune to this type of magic and remembers Peter Parker. This will be addressed in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," with the Hulk expected to revert to his Savage Hulk state, explaining his memory. Other Avengers, like Yelena Belova, might have cameo appearances, teasing Spider-Man's eventual reunion with an Avengers team in "Doomsday" and "Secret Wars."
In "Doomsday," Spider-Man will likely be part of an Avengers team that encounters Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, leading to the shocking revelation of his Tony Stark-like face. The film is expected to end with Doctor Doom's victory, setting up "Secret Wars" with a cliffhanger similar to "Infinity War's" snap. The multiverse will collapse, forming Battleworld, possibly using the 'Void' as seen in "Deadpool & Wolverine." Unlike "Infinity War," Spider-Man is expected to survive "Doomsday" and play a role in "Secret Wars." The body count in "Doomsday" will be high, with only a few characters surviving. "Secret Wars" will be a much larger multiverse event, likely featuring the return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men, fulfilling the tease from "Spider-Man: No Way Home."