7 Ways LOKI And THE MARVELS Just Set Up The Multiverse Saga's EXciting Future - SPOILERS

7 Ways LOKI And THE MARVELS Just Set Up The Multiverse Saga's EXciting Future - SPOILERS

Loki's season 2 finale and The Marvels were released within hours of each other and we're now taking a closer look at all the different ways they set the stage for what comes next in the Multiverse Saga.

Feature Opinion
By JoshWilding - Nov 13, 2023 01:11 PM EST
Filed Under: Loki

Within a few short hours of each other, Marvel Studios released the Loki season 2 finale and The Marvels. Both projects set the stage for the Multiverse Saga's future, albeit in vastly different ways. 

The God of Mischief's solo series explored the creation of a new, infinite Multiverse and left the door open to war erupting between Kang and his many Variants. As for Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Photon's team-up, it teased interdimensional travel and delivered a game-changing post-credits scene. 

However, there are ways they both laid the groundwork for what comes next in ways you may not have realised or noticed on a first viewing. In this feature, we take a deep dive into all of that and more, and trust us when we say this Saga could be bigger, and more epic, than what we've seen so far suggests.

To take a look through this breakdown, all you need to do is click on the "Next" button below.
 

7. The Multiverse Is Reborn

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He Who Remains made it so that Loki would gain his new time-slipping abilities, and the villain's endgame was for the God of Mischief to kill Sylvie and rule over the Sacred Timeline in his place. What he doesn't account for is the impact Loki's new friends have had on him.

After travelling back to key moments in time to speak to Mobius and Sylvie, Loki realised he could destroy the Time Loom and free everyone from the destinies written for them. Now, they have free will, and while not everyone is going to survive the Multiversal War that's coming, they at least have the choice to die fighting rather than live in a gilded cage. 

Loki reignited the dying branches and currently sits at the Citadel at the End of Time, watching over the Multiverse for eternity. It will ultimately fall, whether it be at the hands of Kang or those incursions, and in the meantime, the Asgardian's actions have opened the door to all the Multiverse-relevant stories seen in this Saga (and those yet to come).  

As for what this means for Loki, we'll get to that later. 
 

6. Photon May Be More Powerful Than We First Imagined

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After Dar-Benn's abuse of Jump Points tears a hole between realities, Monica Rambeau powers up and uses her abilities to fix that. Needless to say, this is quite the power move on Photon's part and suggests she's stronger than first imagined. 

If she can fix something like that, it stands to reason she might be able to open a doorway as well. Now, her powers are likely to be key when Earth's Mightiest Heroes assemble to stop the incursions which are now happening across the Multiverse. They're said to be the result of prolonged Multiversal travel, so Monica being in a different universe must surely put her new "home" at risk. 

However, if she's mastered the ability to close the sort of tears we saw in The Marvels and Spider-Man: No Way Home, she may well be a central figure in the Multiverse Saga who ultimately helps turn the tide. 
 

5. Reality-Hopping Potential

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Kamala Khan travelled back in time in Ms. Marvel thanks to a bangle we can now identify as a Quantum Band. When Dar-Benn uses both at the same time, she opens the door to a different universe which starts bleeding into the one Earth-616 calls home, seemingly confirming theories the Kree artefacts are capable of interdimensional travel.

There have been hints that Kang has scattered many items like those across reality, including Shang-Chi's Ten Rings. How and why all these will link up is still a mystery to us, with both Shang-Chi and Ms. Marvel potentially key to Multiversal travel (the same applies to America Chavez once she masters her powers).

The point is, there are now several beings on Earth-616 who can reality-hop in some form or another. What we saw in The Marvels was an uncontrollable mess, but if she figures out how to make the Quantum Bands obey her, Ms. Marvel may soon rank among the MCU's strongest superheroes. Doctor Strange, Clea, and the Scarlet Witch could also be crucial in this respect. 
 

4. God Loki

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Is Loki now the most powerful being in existence? An argument could be made for that, especially as he's powering the new Multiverse and able to watch over every and any timeline on his Yggdrasil-inspired infinite Multiverse. The knowledge he has arguably can't be matched, even by The Watcher.

Branches can now grow and flourish without dying, but that means all those Kang Variants will soon start emerging. We've already seen it happen in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania when one of them, the Conqueror, was banished to the Quantum Realm. His doppelgangers, meanwhile, assembled the Council of Kangs to decide what to do about the Multiverse's heroes interfering in their plans. 

He Who Remains is gone, so they don't know about the TVA; that presumably means they also have zero clue that Loki powers this Multiverse. While history is destined to repeat itself to some extent (Kang appears to be a constant who will just keep returning), remember that this is a new Multiverse and the war on the horizon isn't necessarily going to play out the same way. 

The game-changer in this equation is Loki; freed from his exile when the Multiverse falls, he can eventually return and turn the tide against Kang. The TVA, meanwhile, already exists and so won't be created by Nathaniel Richards. Instead, they've been teed up by Loki to prepare for the war to come, not be pawns in it. 
 

3. The TVA's New Mission

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Talking of the Time Variance Authority, the Loki finale establishes that they're on the lookout for He Who Remains' Variants and, honestly, they don't seem overly concerned. That or both Mobius and Hunter B-15 are playing it surprisingly cool while discussing Kang the Conqueror's apparent defeat in the Earth-616-adjacent Quantum Realm.

The TVA is up to something, though, and this is a plot thread we expect to see continue in Deadpool 3

Rumour has it the group is still keeping an eye on problematic timelines, bringing the Merc with the Mouth to their attention when he starts toying with time travel. However, they're also assembling an army of "Prime" heroes powerful enough to defend the Multiverse in the war that's yet to come. We're guessing this is where Wolverine comes in, and it makes sense for both heroes to eventually be stranded on Earth-616. 

We're guessing things escalate after Loki and the Council of Kangs likely have something to do with it. That's surely what prompts the TVA to assemble an army of Variants, taking its cues from what He Who Remains once did (but, in place of regular people, they're using superheroes). 
 

2. Enter, The X-Men

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When Monica wakes up, she comes face-to-face with her mother, Maria Rambeau. She died of cancer while her daughter was blipped on Earth-616, and this Variant appears to be a new take on the mutant Binary. Unsurprisingly, Maria doesn't recognise her "daughter" but is this the same Captain Marvel Variant who was a member of the Illuminati on Earth-838?

We don't think so. It's possible she survived that clash with the Scarlet Witch and powered up to become Binary; however, this scene feels a lot like Marvel Studios' attempt to move on from that iteration (while still showing just how many different versions of these characters exist across the Multiverse).

The fact she's a card-carrying member of the X-Men is a huge deal, as is the fact we get to see a comic-accurate Beast! He mentions Charles - as in, Charles Xavier/Professor X - and the surroundings are based on 20th Century Fox's X-Men franchise. If that's the case, though, why does Beast look so different? 

Remember, we're talking about the Multiverse here. This could just be a version of their world which is slightly different; alternatively, it's feasible that both Beast and the X-Men have simply evolved since we last saw them, a regular occurrence from film to film. Either way, their Earth-616 Variants have now entered the MCU!
 

1. Young Avengers Assemble

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In a final sequence that feels like it was once supposed to be a post-credits scene, Kamala Khan approaches Kate Bishop and suggests they put a team together. The MCU's new Hawkeye scoffs at the idea of being a Young Avenger - she's 23 - but seems keen to join Ms. Marvel's group of new superheroes. 

Kamala already knows Ant-Man has a daughter and it's going to be very interesting to keep an eye on how this group continues to develop. The MCU is home to plenty of new-generation superheroes, so will this be the main Avengers team or just one of a few teams who assemble later in the Multiverse Saga when Kang's Multiversal War is unleashed upon every reality?

That remains to be seen, though we'd be shocked if Kamala doesn't suddenly have a recurring presence in future MCU projects putting her team together. She could appear in Agatha to recruit Wiccan, for example, but we'd be prepared for the group to assemble off-screen.

It's also not outside the realm of possibility that Captain Marvel will lead them, especially now she's back on Earth and seemingly serving as Ms. Marvel's mentor...
 

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LiteraryJoe
LiteraryJoe - 11/13/2023, 1:24 PM
To me my X Men.
Nomis929
Nomis929 - 11/13/2023, 1:24 PM
Not exactly confident in the MCU future if they going to bring in the rehash FoX-MEN. Either version.

The MCU's X-men need to be totally different from what we seen in the Fox movies.
Fogs
Fogs - 11/13/2023, 1:30 PM
@Nomis929 - That's what I'm hoping for. Different AND good. Hope that's not asking too much.
Nomis929
Nomis929 - 11/13/2023, 1:38 PM
@Fogs - I know this might be asking for too much but I hope they do a total reboot with the first movie comprising of the original team (Cyclops, Beast, angel, Marvel Girl, Iceman).

Then have the Sequel introduce the "new" X-Men by adding Wolverine, Colossus, Storm and Nightcrawler). Sort of a "graduation" of the fist team to the next with Cyclops staying as leader.

Eventually, leading to the next movie with Kitty Pride pride, Gambit, Bishop, Jubilee, etc.

MaKe it a more natural evolution ( no pun intended) of the group than one that just appears as if they been together for a while and we see there progression and interaction only from Wolverine's persepective.
Vigor
Vigor - 11/13/2023, 2:35 PM
@Nomis929 - that's the way
Fogs
Fogs - 11/13/2023, 3:30 PM
@Nomis929 - that would be awesome. They can even tease future characters backstories across the mcu like gambit's thieves, rogue as a criminal and maybe even the weapon x program or alpha flight in hulk before adding them to the team.
Nomis929
Nomis929 - 11/13/2023, 3:53 PM
@Fogs - can certainly can dig a backstory of Wolverine on his first assignment for the Canadian government when he goes after the Hulk and Wendigo. Seeing that on screen would be amazing!

PC04
PC04 - 11/13/2023, 5:27 PM
@Nomis929 - The X-Men movie we need right there!
Fogs
Fogs - 11/14/2023, 2:08 PM
@Nomis929 - how cool would that be?

I have hope we'll see Hulk losing it after Red Hilk appears, so there is a chance, who knows
Fogs
Fogs - 11/14/2023, 2:08 PM
@Fogs - *Red Hulk, lol
Nomis929
Nomis929 - 11/14/2023, 2:23 PM
@Fogs - Man, do the MCU needs the uncontrollable Hulk back.
Fogs
Fogs - 11/14/2023, 3:17 PM
@Nomis929 - yeah, 100%. I have faith we're getting savage Hulk soon.
DocSpock
DocSpock - 11/13/2023, 1:28 PM

Everyone picks on Josh (often very deservedly) for his often sh!tty top 10 articles, but this is actually a pretty good summary, some of which may happen.



bobevanz
bobevanz - 11/13/2023, 1:31 PM
@DocSpock - a broken clock is right twice a day, that is all
mountainman
mountainman - 11/13/2023, 1:29 PM
Adding characters like Monica and Maria Rambeaux into mutant movies is souring my excitement for them. The mutants need to be handled separately from this other MCU nonsense as much as possible (besides big event films).
DocSpock
DocSpock - 11/13/2023, 2:19 PM
@mountainman -

I completely agree.

But remember she is black and female. Plus they could gay her up for a triple box check. So expect to see a lot more of her.
Mugens
Mugens - 11/13/2023, 3:29 PM
@mountainman - If you know the X-Men comics you know that the character Binary was actually a member of the team, although I don't believe she stayed with them long term. So depending on what multiverse era they are supposed to be in, she does belong. Having said that I agree with Nomis929 when he said that they should start out with the original members of the X-Men before branching out to all the newer characters. That was one of the main reasons I didn't care for the first Fox X-Men movie as other had.
mountainman
mountainman - 11/13/2023, 3:39 PM
@Mugens - Oh I’m quite familiar with the X-Men and have never come across Binary, so she must have either not been a member long or joined post 2012 when I stopped reading.
RolandD
RolandD - 12/2/2023, 1:00 PM
@mountainman - 1980’s Carol Danvers after her powers as Ms.Marvel were stolen by Rogue. During an adventure in space with the X-Men, Claremont had Carol develop the powers of a white hole after being experimented on by the Brood. She became Binary.
mountainman
mountainman - 12/2/2023, 1:33 PM
@RolandD - Just looked it up to educate myself. Carol (not Maria) was in her binary persona actively working with the X-Men team from Uncanny 164-171. Not a ling time at all. I started collecting a bit after that and have read all the major stories from earlier on but not every issue.

Regardless, there are dozens of more impactful mutants to put in a mutant related film. I bet Captain America or Spiderman have featured in as many X-Men issues.

I get that Carol had a relationship with the X-Men. I’m quite familiar with the Rogue incident.

It just seems like they are trying to wedge Captain Marvel adjacent characters into their X-Men debut in order to boost the popularity of the Captain Marvel characters since nobody seems to care about them on their own.
RolandD
RolandD - 12/2/2023, 1:50 PM
@mountainman - Regardless of her power set, I’m more interested in seeing how they interact since Maria is Monica‘s mother and yet not Monica‘s mother
mountainman
mountainman - 12/2/2023, 4:44 PM
@RolandD - I’m really just not interested in seeing any characters close to Captain Marvel do much of anything. They are all duds.
bobevanz
bobevanz - 11/13/2023, 1:31 PM
It's crazy how much effort was put into Loki, then compared to all these "fun" middle of the road movies.. leave Loki be.. he's now a hero, the god of stories. Leave all the legacy characters alone. Reboot after secret wars, start with mutants as the focus. IT'S NOT THAT HARD lol
mountainman
mountainman - 11/13/2023, 1:42 PM
@bobevanz - If Loki comes back in Secret Wars with these new amazing powers, the GA is going to be incredibly confused. Marvel should have learned their lesson by now that having show continuity affect the movies is a mistake.
cubrn
cubrn - 11/13/2023, 2:34 PM
@mountainman - You speak as if the general audience doesn't have access to D+'s shows at anytime of their choosing.
mountainman
mountainman - 11/13/2023, 2:47 PM
@cubrn - And how many people in the GA are watching them? Have you not heard the common argument from people that the continuity is getting too convoluted and too much homework is required to keep up with the MCU now?
cubrn
cubrn - 11/13/2023, 3:21 PM
@mountainman - I’ve heard it but I don’t understand it. It doesn’t take much effort to binge a show
mountainman
mountainman - 11/13/2023, 3:26 PM
@cubrn - I’ve not seen Ms Marvel, She Hulk, Secret Invasion or Loki S2. I only plan to watch one of those (Loki). And I’m a fan.

Some of us have lives and can’t watch all
this excessive content. There are also more shows out there than ever, and quite a number are far superior than what Marvel has been putting on Disney Plus.
marvel72
marvel72 - 11/13/2023, 3:30 PM
@cubrn - The number of subscribers proves not everyone has Disney Plus and not everyone with Disney Plus watches Loki.
cubrn
cubrn - 11/13/2023, 3:37 PM
@marvel72 - a couple of 6 episode series per year is hardly excessive
LordHarryLatts
LordHarryLatts - 11/13/2023, 1:33 PM
An annoying jumbled mess...about to become a much larger jumbled mess...jammed with the mother load of time travel gibberish
...plus lots of Deadpool jokes.
NickScryer
NickScryer - 11/13/2023, 1:33 PM
But did The Marvels flop harder than The Flash?
mountainman
mountainman - 11/13/2023, 1:43 PM
@NickScryer - On weekend 1 yes. We will see about long term box office.
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