Spoiler Alert
The MCU has launched its final Phase 4 movie and once again, it has followed the trend of introducing a new character in its post-credits scene. Black Widow, Eternals, No Way Home, Doctor Strange 2, and Thor 4 were the ones to do so. And now Wakanda Forever has done the same. Only this time, the character that was expected to be brought in was not. The movie only had one credits scene which was very special. But it didn’t include Doctor Doom as many would have anticipated initially. And now, MCU Vice President Nate Moore has answered why exactly he was missing from the film.
Rumors of Doctor Doom being in Wakanda Forever had been floating on the internet for over a year before Wakanda Forever came out. And things got even wilder as some of those suggested that Henry Cavill would be the one portraying him. But all those rumors were put to rest when Cavill returned as Superman, and now Wakanda Forever has put the nail in the coffin for Doctor Doom as well.
The general belief was that Doctor Doom would be the perpetrator who pits Namor against Black Panther. Many even believed that Lake Bell’s character would be working for him. But that didn’t turn out to be true either. Doctor Doom was nowhere to be found in the film and that’s a very good thing for various reasons.
Why Doctor Doom was Not in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Here’s what Moore told ComicBook.com when asked about Doctor Doom being in the film.
“It wasn’t [a plan] to be quite honest. Although I get why, and he’s such a great character in the world of Latveria and Ryan is a fan. But once we decided Namor was going to be the antagonist, that was always going to be the focus.”
Most of us would agree that Doctor Doom wasn’t needed in the film. It was already stuffed with many new characters and narrative elements. Doctor Doom would have just overcomplicated things. His absence allowed Namor to be a much stronger antagonist, and that’s what anyone would have wanted out of him. Namor needed his breathing room (quite literally) and it’s good that he got it.
A naturally woven conflict between two protagonists always works in the best way when done rightly. We didn’t need another Lex Luthor making Batman fight Superman, or another Zemo crumbling the Avengers empire from within. Using Riri as the reason was good enough to drive the motivations of both sides. Instead of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, it would be best if Doctor Doom is given his own space. If not a solo movie or a Disney+ series, then Doctor Doom should at least get a special presentation like Werewolf by Night before or after Fantastic Four comes out.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently playing in the theatres.
Source: ComicBook.com
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