The directors of Marvel’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday are suggesting that Doctor Doom’s scheme extends far beyond a single abduction, with director Joe Russo hinting that the villain may be targeting multiple heroes across the Marvel universe. The tease follows the post-credits sequence of Avengers: Endgame Encore, a re-release of the 2019 blockbuster that adds new footage, in which Bruce Banner is snatched by Doom while isolated in a bunker.
In the scene, Bruce Banner is seen recording a video message in a bunker. Banner has isolated himself following the events of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but his moment of solitude is abruptly interrupted when Doctor Doom suddenly appears and seemingly kidnaps him. While exactly what Doom is planning remains unclear, the implications suggest his ambitions reach well past the Incredible Hulk.
A Larger Game at Play
Speaking to Empire, Russo declined to spell out the full scope of Doom’s intentions but offered a tantalizing clue about the film’s central antagonist. “I mean, look, his interest may extend beyond just Banner,” said Russo. “So, that’s what we’ll say about that.”
The director’s carefully measured comments reinforce the idea that Doom is orchestrating something considerably grander than a lone kidnapping. Whatever the mastermind has in motion, the pieces appear to be falling into place for a scheme that could reshape the entire franchise.
“I mean, look, his interest may extend beyond just Banner. So, that’s what we’ll say about that.”
Joe Russo, director of Avengers: Doomsday
Clues From Across the Universe
Fans may already have a sense of who else Doom is targeting. During the post-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Doom can be seen in the living room of the Baxter Building, speaking with a young Franklin Richards. Although Sue Storm interrupts the encounter, it remains unclear whether Doom manages to abduct Franklin or is forced to leave empty-handed.
A long-running theory surrounding the film has speculated that Doom may be kidnapping the children of various Marvel heroes, including Franklin, Thor’s adopted child, and possibly the child of Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter. That final theory lost some credibility following the ending of Avengers: Endgame Encore, though the broader pattern of Doom’s interest in vulnerable targets persists.
Whatever the case may be, it seems clear that Doom wants to capture and potentially control some of Marvel’s most powerful heroes. The strategy would position the ruler of Latveria as a threat on the scale of the Infinity War-era dangers the Avengers have faced before.
Looking Ahead
There are currently roughly two months left until the release of Doomsday, a window that should provide a great deal of clarity on Doom’s plans. The film’s marketing campaign is likely to drop further hints as the premiere approaches, even as the studio guards its biggest secrets.
Even with answers forthcoming, plenty of mysteries will remain. Doctor Doom is expected to return next year in Avengers: Secret Wars, the sprawling crossover event set to unite much of the Marvel universe. For now, fans are left to speculate about which heroes Doom has marked next and how the Avengers will respond to a foe who appears to be moving pieces across the entire board.
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