How the Demise of a $2 Billion Superhero Franchise Paves the Way for the Next Thanos in the MCU After Avengers 6

The future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is buzzing with excitement, particularly regarding the introduction of Doctor Doom as a significant antagonist following the events of Avengers: Secret Wars. This potential shift in focus aligns closely with recent developments that have emerged from the collapse of a $2 billion superhero franchise, providing the MCU a ripe opportunity to elevate new villains into the spotlight. With the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel, the MCU seems poised to tackle the challenges posed by this iconic character.

Set to culminate in an epic showdown, Avengers: Secret Wars is based on the titular comic series, wherein Doom oversees the chaotic realm of Battleworld. Despite its role as the finale of the Multiverse Saga, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige suggests the MCU will continue beyond Secret Wars. This leads to rampant speculation about the next ‘big bad’—whether it will be Kang the Conqueror, Doctor Doom, or another significant figure. Given recent events, the termination of a franchise valued at over $2 billion may signal a pivot towards a new formidable foe for Avengers.

Kraven the Hunter Marks the End for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe

Sony’s Villain-centric Universe Draws to a Close

Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven the Hunter

Kraven the Hunter in the SSU movie trailer

Kraven the Hunter with a flame in the SSU movie trailer

Examining the Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU), which commenced with the release of Venom in 2018, reveals a trajectory that has led to its impending conclusion. Following the success of the initial Venom film, the franchise expanded to include Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Morbius, and now, Kraven the Hunter, launched in December 2024. However, recent reports from sources such as Discussing Film indicate that Kraven the Hunter will serve as the concluding chapter of the SSU.

This shift comes after a series of lackluster performances from films like Morbius and Madame Web, which fell short at the box office, while the Venom films remained as the only successes. The disappointing Rotten Tomatoes ratings and projected earnings for Kraven the Hunter further punctuate the franchise’s struggles, leading Sony to redirect its focus towards collaborative projects with Marvel Studios instead of its own extended universe.

Post-Credit Scene of Venom 3 Hints at Knull’s Arrival

Knull’s Future Limited to Speculative Territory

Venom and Knull in Venom: The Last Dance — Custom image by Nicolas Ayala

Returning to the discussion of formidable villains, Knull, a character previously hinted at in the recent Venom 3 film, could emerge as a significant new threat within the MCU. Following a post-credit sequence that suggests a more extensive role for Knull, it appears that the MCU is uniquely positioned to explore his character’s potential. The potential for Knull to cross over is enhanced further by his previous portrayal by Andy Serkis in Venom: The Last Dance—a promising candidate for MCU integration.

The narrative arc involving Knull in Venom 3 revolves around his goal to obtain the Codex, a genetic key that opens the doors to his confinement on the planet Klyntar. As the plot unfolds, Venom sacrifices himself, thwarting Knull’s impending freedom. However, an intriguing lead from Spider-Man: No Way Home could reignite Knull’s ambition; a remnant of the symbiote left behind may connect with a counterpart of Eddie Brock in the MCU, potentially reawakening Knull’s pursuits.

Knull’s Comic Origins Position the MCU as the Ideal Home

The MCU’s Heroes: The Perfect Counter to Knull

The conclusion of the SSU is viewed by many as a beneficial turn for Knull’s character, aligning him with a narrative arc that fits his comic book history more suitably. In comics, Knull’s desire to engulf the universe in darkness fuels a clash with iconic heroes such as the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. This storyline solidifies Knull’s status as a villain on par with the likes of Thanos and Kang the Conqueror.

Integrating Knull into the MCU offers an expansive playground for storytelling, allowing for engaging clashes between an array of superheroes—the Avengers and X-Men included. As the MCU continues to expand, the potential to explore Knull’s storyline thoroughly presents a compelling argument for him finding his place within this united universe, rather than facing off merely against the antiheroes of the SSU. Ultimately, having the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Knull’s new battleground promises to deliver an epic saga worthy of his formidable reputation.

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