The Multiverse Saga has had its setbacks, but for all the flaws, I do think it introduced elements that could have pulled it all together in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
‘s latest chapter. When the MCU first began in 2008, the possibilities were endless, and the adventure was incredibly exciting. With several new heroes being introduced in their own standalone movie, before a crossover team-up in The Avengers, everything was going swiftly according to plan. This all culminated in the spectacular two-part event films that wrapped up the Infinity Saga, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, but now, some people think Marvel Studios has lost their way.
It’s important to remember that the Multiverse Saga kicked off in 2020, the same year a global pandemic rocked the world, followed by a series of huge strikes in Hollywood that put the industry on hold. In the middle of all of these challenges, Marvel Studios had a clear vision and roadmap which it announced to the world, with Kang set to be the major antagonist in this new chapter. Unfortunately, even that didn’t go according to plan as the actor behind Kang was caught up in legal troubles. Now, in half the time that the Infinity Saga had for three phases, the Multiverse Saga is entering its final phase, and fans are upset that there wasn’t more cohesiveness.
The MCU Has Repeatedly Brought One Major Multiversal Character Into Its Stories
Kang Wasn’t The Only Common Thread In The Multiverse Saga
However, while Marvel Studios has been desperately trying to pivot away from the Kang storyline, rushing to get to the end of the Multiverse, and replacing Kang with Doom and The Fantastic Four, presumably ahead of schedule, there has been one consistent character watching over the events unfolding. The Watcher was introduced to the MCU in the animated series, What If…? which was used to highlight storylines in the multiverse that were adjacent to the Sacred Timeline, though they had some stark differences. While the series was marketed as a sort of spin-off, it has since been shown that the characters from the series can pop up in the MCU, as seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
While the individuals residing in each reality are bound to follow the events of their timeline, and occasionally interact with each other, The Watcher stands apart as a prominent being of extraordinary power. Yet, despite his abilities, The Watcher is bound by an oath to simply observe, and never interfere. As a result, The Watcher is expected to be present, and watching over everything that has been happening in the MCU, though until recently, his presence was never actually observed or felt in a meaningful way, before he broke his oath and began operating as a rogue agent in What If…? season 3.
The MCU’s Watcher Storyline has Been Way Too Subtle To Fully Help Tie The Multiverse Saga Together
The Watcher Could Be A Major Component For The Multiverse
The major downside to having a character that simply observes, and exists in the space between realities, is the fact that he never made an impact for the most part. The character’s most prominent role has been What If…?, where he narrates events he observes. His presence is implied everywhere else, because of the very nature of the character, but having him only appear in What If…? means that the character has largely gone under the radar, which is intentional, and in character, but it didn’t help to tie the multiverse together as it potentially could have.
All the character’s development happens in one animated TV show that was marketed as more of a spin-off.
Throughout Phase 4, Kang was an underlying presence who was largely felt, with his name whispered, and stories and rumors being exchanged. All of this finally culminated in the character having two pivotal appearances, one in a TV format, and another in a feature film. The same could have been done for The Watcher, with his eyes being seen in the sky above, or some other hint to push his narrative along. Instead, all the character’s development happens in one animated TV show that was marketed as more of a spin-off. And this ultimately hurts the potential for the character to make a meaningful appearance in future projects, because he has had no presence up to this point.
The Watcher’s Main On-Screen Appearance Reinforces The Issues With The Character’s Handling
The Watcher Needed To Have A More Universal Role In The Wider MCU
What If…? is a wonderful show. It’s easy to see from watching it that the writers and creatives behind it had a blast imagining what stories they could tell, and how they could make familiar heroes new and exciting. The animated format also meant it was cheaper and more straightforward to let imaginations run wild, and really explore the limitless possibilities of the multiverse. However, it also didn’t come across as required viewing for casual fans who watch the movies in theaters and leave it at that. The MCU has grown to an enormous scale, with more than 30 films, special presentations, TV shows, and more, which makes catching up a little challenging.
And it’s in this spin-off series, where the worlds and heroes are literally different people, that the MCU has chosen to include a character who ties the entire of reality together, across the multiverse. Arguably, The Watcher is a better multiverse representative than Kang, despite Kang’s numerous variants and the council of Kangs. The Watcher sees all and knows all, so his role in the MCU cannot be understated, but somehow, Marvel Studios appears to have left him out until the final Phase of the Multiverse Saga for mainstream audiences.
How The MCU Could Still Use The Watcher To Tie The Multiverse Saga Together
There Is Some TIme Left To Make The Watcher Into A More Visible Character
After the finale of What If…?, it’s clear that The Watcher is on a collision course with the Sacred Timeline, which will most likely result in him appearing in the upcoming two-part finale. Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars is set to put an end to the Multiverse Saga, and to bring all of the many heroes from across a wide number of realities into one place. It makes perfect sense for The Watcher, and his new crew of Multiversal Defenders, into the fray to try and put a stop to the destructive plans of Doctor Doom.
If the movies are anything like the comics that inspired the names, which they absolutely will be, then Secret Wars is set to see many realities being merged as Doom manufactures a Battleworld full of heroes and villains competing and working for his own entertainment and pleasure. While The Watcher is unlikely to be able to stop Doom alone, he may be an invaluable part of the resistance effort in fighting Doom and helping to save all of reality. And thanks to The Watcher’s constant presence in What If…?, it can act as a way to tie this portion of the MCU together.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man Homecoming 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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