Finding the next major antagonist in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after Thanos has become a popular topic for both fans and theorists. Although Kang the Conqueror, as portrayed by Jonathan Majors, was once thought to be the next great thing, recent events and rumours suggest a startling turn of events: Kang might not be acting alone, given Jonathan Majors’ situation. Let me introduce Reed Richards, the creative force behind the Fantastic Four and one of Marvel’s most adored characters. However, it becomes evident as we examine the intricacies of the multiverse that heroes in one universe might be antagonists in another. According to this theory, Reed Richards—or rather, a variant of him—might appear as a co-villain in the Multiverse Saga, providing an intriguing narrative twist and expanding the MCU’s villain roster.
The Dark Variant of Reed Richards
A major character in Marvel’s mythology, Reed Richards is renowned for his intelligence, creativity, and good nature. Still, the idea of the multiverse opens up countless possibilities, including much different versions of Richards from the hero we know. One such variant is The Maker, which we are introduced to in The Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610). Following both personal and professional setbacks, this Richards takes a darker turn and becomes one of Marvel’s most fearsome adversaries. The Maker is more intelligent and powerful than his 616 equivalent, and he uses these attributes to try and change the universe to his own will. The MCU now has exciting new options thanks to this story, including a complicated character arc that blurs the lines between heroism and villainy.
The Multiverse Saga: An Exciting Beginning
The Multiverse Saga, the current era of the MCU, makes an ideal setting for The Maker’s debut. The stage is set for surprising alliances and clashes, since recent films and television shows have already begun to bend the laws of the multiverse. Because of his extraordinary powers—which include the ability to make replicas of himself and control time inside his creations—the Maker is positioned as a powerful opponent who can threaten not only the heroes of Earth-616 but also the multiverse as a whole.
Reed Richards will be played by Pedro Pascal, who is renowned for his performances that deftly strike a balance between complexity and emotional depth. The dual nature of Richards’ character—the adored genius and the deranged villain—can be explored by Pascal thanks to this casting decision, which opens up intriguing narrative possibilities. There’s a hint of the tremendous story potential the multiverse has when we compare Pascal’s representation to the Reed Richards we’ve met in the Multiverse of Madness.
A Cosmic Checkmate: The Maker’s Alliance and Kang
The theory goes on to discuss the possibility of a partnership between The Maker and Kang the Conqueror, two of Marvel’s most astute and driven villains. Though they will approach the task of altering the multiverse differently, they each have the same vision. As demonstrated in the Loki series, this collaboration may hold the secret to ending the multiverse’s cyclical pattern of creation and destruction. Kang and The Maker might provide an unparalleled threat to the MCU by fusing their knowledge and abilities, pushing heroes from many universes to band together to battle a single enemy.
Final Thoughts: The Hope of Atonement and Story Depth
In addition to providing a plot twist, the possibility of Reed Richards becoming a villain in the MCU allows for the exploration of themes such as ambition, loss, and the thin line separating genius and madness. Marvel has an opportunity to make up for previous errors by incorporating characters and plots from several universes—including the contentious Fan4stic movie—into the Multiverse Saga. This strategy not only honours the original work but also reveals Marvel’s dedication to the nuance and complexity of its narrative universe.
The addition of The Maker as a villain alongside Kang the Conqueror is expected to bring the MCU’s exploration of the multiverse’s boundless potential to new heights. If this theory comes to pass, it might completely rewrite how we think of heroism and villainy, forcing viewers and characters to deal with the moral dilemmas of an infinite universe.
