The Secret Wars comic storyline of 2015-2016 brought the Marvel Universe to the brink of annihilation, pitting heroes against villains in a battle for survival on a planet dubbed Battleworld. This epic crossover event, penned by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Esad Ribic, introduced a host of iconic characters whose actions and choices would forever alter the Marvel Comics landscape. Within this cosmic conflict, eight individuals emerged as key players, leaving an indelible mark on the Secret Wars storyline.
From the valiant efforts of heroes like Captain America, Spider-Man, and Thor, to the cunning and treachery of villains like Doctor Doom, Thanos, and Loki, these characters played pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of their worlds. With their complex motivations, epic battles, and unexpected alliances, these eight individuals captivated readers and showcased the immense storytelling power of Marvel Comics.
The Secret Wars storyline stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these heroes and villains, solidifying their place in Marvel history and leaving fans eager for the MCU to bring Secret Wars to the big screen. And while the movie franchise will certainly look a lot different from the comics’ story, learning about these key players might give us some clues as to which direction the upcoming Avengers film might go in.
8 Thor (Jane Foster)
In a bold and progressive move, the Secret Wars storyline introduced Jane Foster as the new Thor. Wielding the enchanted Mjolnir, she brought a fresh perspective and unwavering determination to the role. Jane Foster’s portrayal as Thor showcased her strength, courage, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, solidifying her as a formidable force within the Marvel Universe.
Of course, Jane ultimately died in Thor: Love and Thunder, so Secret Wars may likely not feature her Mighty Thor. That said, in terms of power and heroism, there’s no shortage of MCU characters who could take her place.
Related: Marvel Secret Wars: Comic Book Storyline, Explained
7 Thanos
The Mad Titan, Thanos, once again asserted his dominance as one of Marvel’s most formidable villains during the Secret Wars. Driven by his insatiable thirst for power, Thanos sought to exploit the chaos of Battleworld for his own nefarious purposes. His cunning strategies, manipulations, and relentless pursuit of the ultimate power added an air of tension and unpredictability to the storyline.
Like Jane’s Thor, however, it seems that Thanos’ run in the MCU has come to its end, so it’s doubtful he’ll be featured in Secret Wars. That said, Marvel Comics boasts many equally powerful villains that could make an appearance in the Avengers movie.
6 Captain America (Steve Rogers)
True to his status as a symbol of unwavering courage and leadership, Captain America played a pivotal role in the Secret Wars. Rogers’ unwavering dedication to protecting innocent lives and his strategic mind were instrumental in rallying the forces of justice against the encroaching darkness. As Battleworld teetered on the edge of destruction, Captain America’s unwavering resolve provided a beacon of hope for both readers and fellow heroes.
Though the MCU’s Steve Rogers is retired, Sam Wilson keeps the hero alive as the new Captain America. Having fought side by side with Steve, there’s no doubt that Sam will be as hopeful and driven.
5 Loki
The God of Mischief, Loki, played a multifaceted role in the Secret Wars. Often blurring the line between ally and adversary, Loki’s complex motivations and manipulative nature kept readers guessing. As the events unfolded, Loki’s actions ricocheted across Battleworld, leaving a lasting impact on the Marvel Universe and showcasing the character’s nuanced and enigmatic nature.
One of the MCU’s most anticipated titles is Loki Season 2, which releases in October 2023. With such a fan-favorite character, it’s likely that we’ll see more of the God of Mischief beyond his eponymous Disney+ series, making him a perfect key play in the Secret Wars film.
4 Spider-Man
Peter Parker, the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, found himself thrust into the chaos of the Secret Wars. A beacon of unwavering heroism, Peter struggled to maintain his moral compass amidst the shattered Battleworld. His resilience, quick-witted banter, and unwavering sense of responsibility endeared him to readers as he fought alongside his fellow heroes to protect innocent lives.
Tom Holland may have wrapped up his Spider-Man trilogy with No Way Home, but Spider-Man 4 was in production prior to the strike, so it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing Holland’s Peter Parker in Secret Wars.
Related: The Marvels Producer Unveils the Monumental Connection to Avengers: Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars
3 Doctor Strange
The Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, brought his mystical prowess to the forefront during the Secret Wars. Harnessing ancient arts and tapping into multiple realities, Strange played a pivotal role in unraveling the secrets of Battleworld and confronting the enigmatic forces at play. His mastery of magic and his ability to traverse dimensions proved vital to the survival of the Marvel Universe.
Well into the Multiverse Saga, Doctor Strange has played pivotal roles in this phase of the MCU. Secret Wars, like Endgame for the original Avengers before him, would be the perfect culmination of his character arc.
2 Iron Man
Tony Stark, the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, was instrumental in the Secret Wars. As one of the key architects of Battleworld, Iron Man grappled with the ethical implications of his actions and faced the consequences of his choices. Despite his flaws and troubled past, Stark’s brilliance and resourcefulness were essential in navigating the intricate web of the Secret Wars.
As we know, Tony Stark of the MCU died in Endgame and hasn’t returned since (other than small cameos as variants in What If…?). It’s highly unlikely Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU, so it seems Secret Wars will have to enlist another engineer to be one of its key architects.
1 Doctor Doom
At the heart of the Secret Wars storyline stood Victor Von Doom, the enigmatic and complex Doctor Doom. With god-like powers and a desire to reshape reality, Doom became the architect of Battleworld. His motives, though shrouded in darkness, displayed a twisted sense of order and a desire to protect what he saw as his domain. Doctor Doom’s presence and machinations added layers of complexity and moral ambiguity to the overarching narrative.
As The Fantastic Four and its iconic villain have yet to be introduced in the MCU, it’s very likely that a live-action Doom will play an integral role in Secret Wars. We’ll just have to wait and see which actor will take on the role.
Secret Wars is one of Marvel Comics’ most epic storylines. Here are eight heroes and villains that played a pivotal role in the legendary comic arc. Read More