Highlights
Avengers: Secret Wars, the much-anticipated film, is generating immense excitement among Marvel enthusiasts. This adaptation takes inspiration from different iterations of the event across Marvel's rich history.
The initial Secret Wars event took place from 1984 to 1985 on a planet named Battleworld, where heroes and villains engaged in a fierce conflict under the control of a being called the Beyonder.
In the 2015-2016 Secret Wars event, numerous Marvel universes were annihilated, giving rise to a fresh Battleworld governed by God Emperor Doom. A select group of remaining heroes embarked on a mission to overthrow him.
As the march towards Avengers: Secret Wars continues, Marvel fans are left wondering which version of the iconic event will hit the big screen. Surprisingly, there have been numerous iterations of Secret Wars throughout Marvel's history, each bringing something unique to the table. This abundance of ideas gives Marvel plenty of options for their big-screen adaptation of this famous story.
While it's possible that the MCU will choose a specific Secret Wars story to adapt, it's equally likely that they will incorporate significant aspects from various versions of the event. With so many heroes and villains crossing over in one mega event, chaos is inevitable, and that's precisely what Marvel is aiming for. However, if the MCU has to decide on one version of Secret Wars for Avengers: Secret Wars, the decision shouldn't be too difficult.
What Was The First Secret Wars Event?
The first Secret Wars event, which took place from 1984 to 1985, brought together an extraordinary assembly of the earth's mightiest heroes and their formidable adversaries. Suddenly transported to a new world called Battleworld, they soon discover that a mysterious entity known as the Beyonder desires them to engage in an all-out war, with the promise that the victorious side will have their wildest desires granted. Unsurprisingly, this immediately sparked the villains to launch attacks against the heroes.
Both sides boasted a formidable line-up, consisting of renowned heroes such as Spider-Man, select members of the Avengers, certain X-Men (including the occasionally villainous Magneto), a few members of the Fantastic Four (excluding Susan Storm), The Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, and many others. Simultaneously, the villains consisted of dangerous entities like Doctor Doom, Galactus, Enchantress, Doctor Octopus, Ultron, The Wrecking Crew, Molecule Man, and, of course, Kang the Conqueror. Nearly every issue featured epic clashes between various groups of heroes and villains, allowing each hero their moment to shine.
After numerous battles, Doctor Doom seizes the powers of the Beyonder for himself, successfully eliminating all the heroes. However, this turn of events is swiftly undone. As the heroes continue to fight against the remnants of evil on Battleworld, the Beyonder reclaims his power from Doctor Doom, ultimately putting an end to the conflict. Although the outcome did not unfold according to the Beyonder's initial intentions, the heroes ultimately emerge victorious over the villains. Notably, a few individuals, including Spider-Man, return home with unexpected surprises. It is important to note that this event marks the origin of Spider-Man's iconic black and white suit.
What Is The Modern Secret Wars Event?
The Secret Wars of 2015 to 2016 presented a substantially different scenario. This time, multiple Marvel universes face annihilation and consequently merge to create a new Battleworld ruled by none other than God Emperor Doom. Through the combined efforts of Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange, Molecule Man is employed to triumph over the Beyonders, thereby acquiring their extraordinary abilities. This grants them immense power and ultimately leads to Doom evolving into the supreme being of Battleworld. Standing in opposition to God Emperor Doom and his ability to manipulate reality in his own likeness are a band of surviving heroes who had managed to escape the destruction of their respective universes on a multiversal liferaft.
The heroes must journey across the unfamiliar Battleworld to halt Doom, ultimately culminating in a monumental clash. Thanos himself opposes Doom but meets his demise just before the final battle can truly commence. Namor and Black Panther, armed with the powers of Beyonders and the might of the Infinity Gauntlet, attempt to confront God Emperor Doom. However, even their combined strength is not sufficient to vanquish the deranged ruler. Doom's downfall eventually occurs when he confronts Mr. Fantastic and is double-crossed by Molecule Man, resulting in the collapse of Battleworld. Fortunately, the might of the Infinity Stones proves capable of restoring order, and the beloved Earth-616 from the Marvel comics is returned to its normal state, albeit with some newfound additions.
Which Version Will The MCU Choose?
In terms of the MCU, there is an equal chance of either version of events being chosen. Given Marvel's penchant for secrecy and surprises, it wouldn't be surprising if Avengers: Secret Wars turns out to be another movie where the Earth's Mightiest heroes suffer defeat, only for subsequent films to be set in a villain's battleworld until the next Avengers installment rights everything. On the other hand, if it is a straightforward standalone movie, it is not difficult to imagine Marvel adapting the original conflict, offering an enjoyable way to bring together every hero and villain while also telling a relatively uncomplicated story.
The MCU is likely to take on the latest version of the event, as it offers the most creative freedom while still capturing the essence of the classic eighties storyline. This modern adaptation allows for a wide range of characters, including major appearances from previous actors such as Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. If these actors were to reprise their roles, it would most likely be in Avengers: Secret Wars or its sequel.
It's difficult to imagine Avengers: Secret Wars being anything less than a grand-scale film, especially if it serves as a reboot. Even the original story would be challenging to portray in a single movie, which is why it wouldn't be surprising to see the MCU explore a prolonged period in which the main universe is merged as Battleworld. With the current "anything can happen in a multiverse" concept, Marvel could take bold risks. Sheriff Strange may seem unconventional, but it fits seamlessly within Secret Wars. Additionally, this event opens up possibilities for adaptations of Marvel Zombies and the live-action introduction of Miles Morales.
Avengers: Secret Wars is set to be released on May 7th, 2027.