The inclusion of the nigh-omnipotent Beyonder as the main villain of Avengers: Secret Wars will undoubtedly raise the stakes to universe-shattering levels. According to popular YouTube channel Everything Always, the Kang variant serving as the big bad in upcoming Avengers films is actually a variant of the Beyonder himself.
This revelation perfectly aligns with the Multiverse Saga‘s exploration of variant timelines. Just as He Who Remains was a different facet of Kang‘s character, so too will Kang Prime be an iteration of the Beyonder. Given the Beyonder race‘s penchant for creating pocket universes as playthings for their young, it fits that a member would fashion variants of himself as "toys" to battle.
The Beyonder‘s Origins
In the original 1980s Secret Wars comic book arc, the Beyonder was essentially an all-powerful cosmic being fascinated with Earth and its heroes and villains. Existing in a realm beyond our observable universe, the Beyonder and the rest of his kind wielded complete control over reality, matter, and time. They could erase existence on a whim or birth new universes with a stray thought.
The Beyonder‘s insatiable curiosity regarding Earthly affairs eventually manifested in the form of synthesizing an artificial planet called Battleworld. Here, he transported Marvel‘s most famous superheroes and villains in the ultimate clash of titans for his amusement. This inaugural proved so tantalizing that a follow up "Secret Wars II" saw the Beyonder grow obsessed with coming to Earth itself.
While living among humans, he embarked on a selfish quest to understand desire and superiority. In his folly, he very nearly unmade existence with his carelessness. Only through self-sacrifice was he apparently destroyed by Doctor Doom, who briefly became a god with the stolen energy. Of course, as a fundamental aspect of reality itself, the essence of the Beyonder would persist beyond one form…
Based on this precedent from Marvel canon, the arrival of a Beyonder variant as the central foe of the Avengers franchise intimates a threat on a scale beyond comprehension. If Kang wielding but a fraction of true Beyonder power can ravage the multiverse thus far as He Who Remains, imagine the damage an alpha iteration could inflict.
The Beyonder‘s Powers in Perspective
To contexualize just how outmatched Earth‘s Mightiest Heroes will be, consider some feats by the Beyonder in the original Secret Wars limited series:
- Constructed an entire planet and transported heroes/villains across the universe in an instant
- Generated more energy in a fingertip than 100 galaxies
- Manipulated billions of tons of matter on a whim
- Defeated the most powerful villains and heroes simultaneously with ease
- Shattered Captain America‘s nigh-indestructible shield without effort
- Altered fundamental aspects of individuals‘ personalities, backgrounds, powers on a cosmic scale
No wonder He Who Remains required meticulous manipulation across centuries to keep other Kangs at bay. On his own, even with his formidable technology and armies, he paled in comparison to genuine Beyonder power.
Now, the danger has broken those bonds. Kang Prime as a Beyonder stands poised to flex that muscle and wipe away all semblance of order in the multiverse.
Some back-of-the-napkin math gives further perspective:
- 1 galaxy = 200-400 billion stars
- Marvel lists the Milky Way at 100 quintillion stars
- If the Beyonder has 100x more power in his finger than 100 galaxies…
- That would equal 10 sextillion stars worth of energy in a fingertip!
No wonder the TVA was so strict about "cosmic wars" destabilizing reality with all that raw power floating around the multiverse. Kang Prime combining a Beyonder‘s infinite cosmic energy with a master strategist‘s intelligence poses the gravest threat imaginable.
The Groundwork for the Beyonder Has Been Laid
Marvel Studios laying the groundwork for Loki and He Who Remains to secretly be alternate versions of Kang shows attention to connecting threads between projects. Applying this same care to introduce the Beyonder by making Kang Prime his variant avoids bringing the character out of the blue.
Casual audiences need proper context built up before unleashing such a world-breaking villain like the Beyonder into the film canon. He requires justification to feel earned rather than contrived. Those unfamiliar with Marvel comics lore would be lost without the foundation laid by Loki, No Way Home, and He Who Remains‘ slow-burn heel turn against Sylvie.
There is also precedence with cosmic beings getting enamored by Earth and its superpowered protector sin Marvel Studios‘ storytelling already. Ego the Living Planet, knowably played by Kurt Russell in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, serves as nice foreshadowing for the Beyonder. An ancient, unfathomably powerful celestial harnesses human form, comes to Earth, and threatens all of existence out of a selfish desire for meaning and domination.
Many fans have speculated that Secret Wars in the MCU will also incorporate plot points from the Infinity comic sagas. While Thanos fulfilled much of that role already fighting over the Infinity Stones, Adam Warlock remains conspicuously absent. His golden comic book outfit even came teased in a Guardians end credits scene. Introducing Warlock alongside the Beyonder as cosmic yin/yangs marvelling at Earth and its champions would make tremendous sense.
The Cosmic Being‘s Earthly Avatars
In the upcoming fifth Avengers film subtitled Kang Dynasty, we‘ll bear witness to the different human forms the Beyonder has adopted across history. Namely, leaked marketing materials have revealed we have Kang the Conqueror on one side, with Rama-Tut and the Scarlet Centurion flanking their master. Each is sure to bring unique threats and dilemmas to the table.
Kang leverages his mastery as a brilliant conqueror and strategist to dominate any battlefield. Expect advanced weapons, vicious cunning, and lethal tactics. He has millennia of experience defeating mightiest civilizations across space-time continuum. Rama-Tut, meanwhile, first visited Ancient Egypt. Wielding vast mystic energies and spells, he likely focuses occult might against his foes. Mystical heroes like Doctor Strange and Moon Knight will prove essential to counter such sorcery. Finally, the Scarlet Centurion brings sheer strength, stamina, and combat proess. As a super soldier variant, I foresee Captain America and White Wolf struggling mightily against his raw power and skill.
Avengers Secret Wars Predictions
- Movie begins with Kang already defeating the Avengers and securing global domination after conquering his way through the multiverse
- A surviving resistance movement consisting of mystical heroes bands together after studying the energy signatures of Kang‘s portal tech, eventually discovering signs of his multiversal origin point
- Realizing they must cut off the head to stop this onslaught, the Avengers journey to said cosmic source beyond space-time
- After overcoming numerous obstacles, Doctor Strange‘s astral form makes direct contact with the Beyonder realm
- He attempts to appeal to Beyonder elders, convincing them their rogue agents are destabilizing the universe‘s hierarchy in which even they have a place
- A massive cosmic tribunal is held, with consuls of Watchers, Celestials, and other great powers called to witness
- Reluctantly, the Beyonders agree to allow select Avengers to journey inward to their realm and face judgement against Kang Prime directly as their champions
- Thus, the final epic conflict is waged both physically and psychically across the astral plane, fractal realities, and IMAX screen
That‘s my dream scenario at least. The anticipation is already killing me!
Implications of the Beyonder Beyond Avengers 5
Defeating the Beyonder will by no means eliminate threats from that race permanently. Now that the proverbial floodgates have opened, they could take renewed interest or offence with Earth. Kubik, a device containing the power cosmic born from the original Beyonder, could emerge as well. High evolutionary or other cosmic forces may try exploiting remaining energy too.
In the comics, the Beyonder‘s energy even gained full sentience! Taking the form of Kosmos, she became allied with Kubik as a force for good. However, her finite power supply required recharging by draining other Beyonders. This fatal process could spark vicious new grudges. In other words: the beyonder rabbit hole runs deep!
Passionate Fandom Discussions
As a fixture within the Marvel YouTube discourse myself, I adore channels like Everything Always that provide insightful commentary with infectious enthusiasm. The multitude of comic giveaways and even a PlayStation 5 console given to lucky subscribers help foster meaningful communities too. It becomes easy to get swept up in thrilling theorizing and friendly debates.
For instance, opinion seems divided around the Beyonder revealing regarding whether it‘s a fitting progression from He Who Remains, to others still lobbying for Doctor Doom as the prime antagonist in a Secret Wars adaptation. Personally, I believe having Kang serve as the Beyonder‘s avatar avoids overcrowding the movie while allowing for Doom to shine later against the Fantastic Four. Everything in good time!
What are your thoughts though? Does Kang as the Beyonder excite or distress you? Share down below, and be sure to like and subscribe for more coverage as we await Avengers: The Kang Dynasty!