What If The MCU Is Leaning Into The Original Secret Wars Instead Of 2015?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for what is arguably its most ambitious undertaking yet: Secret Wars. While the 2015 Secret Wars storyline has long been the speculated source material, a closer look at recent MCU developments suggests that the narrative might be drawing more heavily from the original 1984-1985 Secret Wars. This article delves into the compelling reasons why the MCU could be adapting the classic storyline, exploring the potential implications for the franchise, and examining the key differences and similarities between the two Secret Wars iterations.

Decoding the MCU's Trajectory: Hints of the Original Secret Wars

One of the most compelling arguments for the MCU adapting the original Secret Wars lies in the character dynamics and the scope of the conflict. The 1984 series pitted a carefully selected group of heroes and villains against each other on a Battleworld created by the enigmatic Beyonder. This storyline, at its core, is a clash of ideologies and powers, driven by the Beyonder's curiosity about the nature of good and evil. Recent MCU phases have subtly introduced characters and concepts that resonate more strongly with the original narrative than the 2015 version. The introduction of characters with godlike power, such as Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, and the potential emergence of cosmic entities, aligns more closely with the power scaling seen in the original series. The original Secret Wars featured a diverse roster of heroes and villains, each with distinct motivations and power sets. The MCU, similarly, has been expanding its cast of characters, showcasing a wide array of abilities and personalities. This sets the stage for intricate character interactions and conflicts, mirroring the complex dynamics of the original storyline. Furthermore, the original Secret Wars emphasized the psychological impact of the conflict on its participants. The isolation, the constant battles, and the moral dilemmas faced by the heroes and villains tested their limits. The MCU has shown a willingness to explore the psychological toll of superheroism, evident in characters like Tony Stark and Wanda Maximoff. This thematic resonance suggests a potential adaptation of the original series' focus on character-driven narratives within the grand spectacle of a cosmic conflict.

The Power of Cosmic Entities and Interdimensional Threats

Another compelling reason to consider the original Secret Wars as a primary influence is the increasing focus on cosmic entities and interdimensional threats within the MCU. The original storyline was driven by the Beyonder, an immensely powerful being from beyond our universe, who sought to understand the nature of heroism and villainy by pitting Earth's mightiest champions against its most formidable foes. The 2015 Secret Wars, while still cosmic in scope, revolved around Doctor Doom usurping the power of the Beyonders and reshaping the multiverse. The subtle distinction in the nature of the cosmic threat is significant. The Beyonder of the original series is an enigmatic force of nature, an impartial observer whose actions are driven by curiosity rather than malice. This aligns with the recent MCU emphasis on exploring the moral ambiguities of cosmic entities, as seen in characters like the Living Tribunal and the Celestials. The introduction of interdimensional concepts, such as incursions and alternate realities, has become a recurring theme in the MCU. This trend echoes the premise of the original Secret Wars, where heroes and villains were transported to a Battleworld, a planet cobbled together from fragments of various worlds. The 2015 Secret Wars, while featuring a similar concept of a Battleworld, focused more on the aftermath of incursions and the merging of universes. The MCU's trajectory suggests a potential adaptation of the original storyline's emphasis on the immediate impact of interdimensional displacement and the characters' struggle to adapt to a new, alien environment. The original Secret Wars also delved into the concept of technological innovation driven by cosmic forces. Doctor Doom and other characters gained access to advanced technology on Battleworld, which significantly amplified their powers. The MCU has consistently explored the interplay between technology and superpowers, evident in characters like Iron Man and Shuri. This suggests that the adaptation of the original Secret Wars might further explore the transformative potential of cosmic technology and its impact on the characters' abilities and motivations.

Character Arcs and Storytelling Potential

Moreover, the original Secret Wars provides a rich tapestry of character arcs and storytelling potential that aligns with the MCU's established narrative style. The original series offered significant moments of character development, showcasing both the heroic and villainous aspects of its participants. The Thing's transformation, Colossus's romantic involvement with Ultron, and Doctor Doom's cunning manipulations are just a few examples of the complex character dynamics explored in the storyline. The MCU has consistently prioritized character-driven narratives, delving into the emotional complexities and personal journeys of its heroes and villains. The original Secret Wars provides ample opportunities for similar character explorations, allowing the MCU to delve deeper into the motivations, fears, and aspirations of its expanding roster of characters. The original storyline also presented a compelling exploration of moral ambiguity. The heroes were forced to confront difficult choices in a morally gray environment, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The MCU has shown a willingness to explore similar themes, evident in characters like Thanos and Killmonger, whose actions were driven by complex motivations. The adaptation of the original Secret Wars could further explore the complexities of moral decision-making in the face of overwhelming power and cosmic threats. The relationships between heroes and villains were also a crucial aspect of the original Secret Wars. The forced proximity and the shared experiences on Battleworld led to unexpected alliances and rivalries. The MCU has often played with the dynamics between heroes and villains, creating compelling narratives of redemption, betrayal, and reluctant partnerships. The original Secret Wars provides a fertile ground for further exploring these dynamics, potentially leading to unexpected character pairings and betrayals within the context of a cosmic conflict.

Key Differences and Similarities: Navigating the Multiverse

While the MCU might be leaning towards the original Secret Wars, it's crucial to acknowledge the key differences between the two storylines and the ways in which the franchise could blend elements from both. The 2015 Secret Wars served as a culmination of the incursion storyline, where alternate universes collided, leading to the destruction of the multiverse. This storyline culminated in Doctor Doom usurping the power of the Beyonders and creating a new Battleworld comprised of remnants of destroyed universes. The original Secret Wars, on the other hand, was a more self-contained event, driven by the Beyonder's experiment. The MCU has already laid the groundwork for incursions and multiversal threats, suggesting that elements of the 2015 storyline might still play a role. However, the focus on character dynamics, the enigmatic nature of the cosmic threat, and the psychological impact of the conflict could be drawn more heavily from the original series. The similarities between the two storylines lie in the concept of Battleworld and the clash between heroes and villains. Both iterations feature a diverse cast of characters forced to confront each other in a strange and hostile environment. The MCU could draw upon these common elements while adapting the specific details and narrative thrust from either storyline, creating a unique and compelling adaptation. The adaptation could also blend elements from both storylines, utilizing the overarching concept of a Battleworld while incorporating the specific character dynamics and thematic elements from the original Secret Wars. This approach would allow the MCU to create a narrative that is both familiar and surprising, honoring the legacy of both storylines while forging its own path.

Implications for the MCU: A New Era of Cosmic Storytelling

If the MCU does indeed lean into the original Secret Wars, the implications for the franchise are vast and exciting. The adaptation could usher in a new era of cosmic storytelling, exploring themes of power, morality, and the very nature of heroism and villainy. The original Secret Wars offered opportunities for significant character development and the exploration of complex relationships. The MCU could leverage this potential to delve deeper into the motivations and emotional lives of its characters, creating more nuanced and compelling narratives. The adaptation could also introduce new cosmic entities and concepts, expanding the scope of the MCU and setting the stage for future storylines. The Beyonder, in particular, could become a major player in the MCU, serving as a catalyst for future conflicts and character arcs. The original Secret Wars also had a significant impact on the characters' powers and abilities. Some characters gained new powers, while others underwent significant transformations. The MCU could use the adaptation to alter the power dynamics within its universe, creating new challenges and opportunities for its heroes and villains. The adaptation could also provide a platform for introducing new characters and teams into the MCU. The original Secret Wars featured a diverse cast of characters, some of whom have not yet appeared in the MCU. The adaptation could introduce these characters and teams, enriching the tapestry of the MCU and setting the stage for future storylines.

In conclusion, while the 2015 Secret Wars has been the popular assumption, the subtle nuances and narrative threads woven into the recent phases of the MCU strongly suggest that the original 1984-1985 Secret Wars could be the primary source of inspiration. By focusing on character-driven narratives, the enigmatic nature of cosmic entities, and the psychological impact of interdimensional conflict, the MCU could deliver a Secret Wars adaptation that is both faithful to the source material and uniquely its own. This direction promises a rich tapestry of storytelling possibilities, setting the stage for a new era of cosmic adventures and character-driven narratives within the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. The emphasis on the original Secret Wars could allow the MCU to explore the core themes of heroism and villainy in a more profound way, challenging the characters and the audience to consider the complexities of morality in the face of overwhelming power. The adaptation could also serve as a culmination of the character arcs that have been developed over the past decade, providing satisfying conclusions for some storylines while setting the stage for new beginnings.