The "Anchor Being" Theory: How Marvel Is Reclaiming Its Throne with a Twisted "Iron Man"
The recent San Diego Comic-Con brought about a seismic shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leaving fans reeling with the unexpected announcement: Robert Downey Jr., formerly the beloved Iron Man, is returning to the MCU… as the villainous Victor Von Doom. How is this even possible? The answer might lie in the newly introduced concept of “anchor beings,” a key element revealed in the recent hit film “Deadpool & Wolverine”.
What are Anchor Beings?
In the zany world of "Deadpool & Wolverine", Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson finds himself navigating the complexities of a decaying timeline. The cause? The death of its “anchor being,” Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), who served as the lynchpin of that timeline’s existence. This isn’t just a bizarre plot point— it’s a meta-commentary on the Fox X-Men universe’s end and the Disney acquisition.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” highlights how each timeline seemingly has an anchor being— a character whose stability is vital to their universe’s continued existence. The film explores this concept with Wade’s desperate search for a replacement Wolverine to prevent his timeline from collapsing.
A Connection to the Sacred Timeline?
While “Deadpool & Wolverine” might seem like a standalone adventure, its narrative threads subtly intertwine with the core MCU, specifically with the sacred timeline. We see glimpses of this connection through Deadpool’s foray into the 2018 sacred timeline where he encounters Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). Interestingly, Deadpool, driven by a desire to impress Vanessa, seeks out Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), the very person who seems to act as the anchor being for the sacred timeline.
Why would Deadpool gravitate towards this specific Tony Stark if he could visit any reality where the Avengers existed? It’s worth noting that the multiversal fracturing began with Tony’s sacrifice in “Endgame,” leaving a gaping hole in the sacred timeline’s anchor being role.
The Rise of the "Worst" Tony Stark?
The concept of anchor beings opens up a fascinating avenue to explain RDJ’s return as Victor Von Doom. While some might question how a Tony Stark variant could become Doom, the comics have explored the dynamic between these two characters, showcasing instances of identity usurping between them.
Adding to this intrigue, the Loki series hinted at the possibility of multiple variants sharing the same facial features, which is further reinforced by the Victor Timely storyline— a Kang variant with a face eerily similar to Jonathan Majors— who will likely play a significant role in “Loki” season two.
The "Johnny Storm" Conundrum
The “Johnny Storm Effect” (a playful name for the phenomenon), introduced in the "Deadpool & Wolverine" film, creates another intriguing layer to this conundrum. Here, Deadpool confuses Chris Evans with Captain America and is shocked to discover it’s actually Johnny Storm from the 2005 "Fantastic Four" movie— a character who happens to share a face with Steve Rogers.
This raises a crucial point; even if variants possess different faces, they can be recognized through their resemblance to their counterparts. This begs the question: what will happen when Victor Von Doom removes his mask and reveals a face identical to Tony Stark’s?
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man will likely face a profound psychological crisis, grappling with the betrayal of seeing his mentor’s face on the face of a world-threatening villain.
A Strategic Move for Marvel
Marvel’s decision to bring back Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom is a strategic move that leverages nostalgia while introducing a fresh layer of complexity. This shift positions RDJ as a “worst” version of Tony Stark, potentially leading to an epic showdown with the Fantastic Four and the Avengers.
The introduction of adamantium into the sacred timeline (as seen in “Captain America: Brave New World”), coupled with Wolverine’s connection to this metal, creates a compelling link between the sacred timeline and the events of “Deadpool & Wolverine." This could further fuel Wolverine’s motivation to fight against Doom and the Serpent Society, particularly if Doom exhibits an interest in harnessing this powerful resource.
A Bold and Intricate Plan
The “anchor being” theory provides a clever explanation for RDJ’s return as the villainous Victor Von Doom, blending in elements from past events in the MCU and weaving them into a compelling narrative.
While some might find this unexpected move a departure from the planned direction, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this strategic move might be a response to the evolving landscape of the MCU.
The "anchor being" theory presents a fresh perspective on the ongoing narrative, highlighting the ever-shifting dynamics of the multiverse. It allows Marvel to tap into a nostalgic reservoir of beloved characters while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the MCU, crafting a complex and captivating tapestry of events for fans to unravel. The future of the MCU looks incredibly promising, filled with exciting twists and turns as we delve deeper into the concept of anchor beings and its potential impact on the sacred timeline, and beyond.
