In Deadpool & Wolverine, there’s a new concept introduced by Paradox, a TVA character, called the Anchor Being. These are key individuals in their universes, and if they disappear, their entire universe starts to collapse.
But before we get too alarmed, the movie makes it clear that even though an Anchor Being’s death triggers the start of their universe’s end, it doesn’t happen instantly. It takes thousands of years for the universe to actually fall apart. And, as shown by Deadpool and Wolverine, there’s a chance to save it. For instance, the original Wolverine, who was killed off in Logan, is portrayed as the Anchor Being in the film’s Fox universe. By the end of the movie, he’s replaced by another version of Wolverine played by Hugh Jackman, who’s likely to continue in the role for a long time.
So, who might be the Anchor Being in Earth-616, the main universe of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?
Tony Stark Let’s start with the obvious choice: Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. He’s the cornerstone of the MCU, having kicked off the entire franchise and made the ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. His actions had a huge impact on the universe. Iron Man’s death was crucial, but what if his sacrifice also set off a chain of events that threatens the balance of the universe? It’s a compelling thought, especially since there are theories that his legacy might continue in a new form, like Doctor Doom, in upcoming Avengers films.
Doctor Strange Next up is Doctor Strange. He’s deeply connected to the multiverse and the MCU’s magical and mystical elements. In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, he played a major role in navigating multiversal chaos. Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige even called Doctor Strange the “anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” which might hint that he’s central to the stability of the Sacred Timeline. His importance to the multiverse could make him a prime candidate for the Anchor Being.
Spider-Man Spider-Man is another strong contender. He’s one of the most beloved superheroes, and his role in the MCU has become more significant over time. With Iron Man’s passing, Spider-Man has been positioned as his successor and has shown tremendous growth. If the MCU is passing the torch to a new generation, Spider-Man could be the new heart of the universe, taking over as the Anchor Being.
Reed Richards Lastly, we have Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic. With the Fantastic Four making their MCU debut and set to play important roles in upcoming Avengers films, Richards might also be considered an Anchor Being. His role in the multiverse and the potential conflicts with characters like Doctor Doom could make him a crucial part of the MCU’s future.
So, while the concept of the Anchor Being is new and intriguing, we have several strong candidates who might fit the bill. As the MCU continues to unfold, it’ll be exciting to see who, if anyone, turns out to be the Anchor Being for Earth-616.
