Deadpool and Wolverine's multiversal expedition confirmed that an "anchor being" is the most essential element in keeping an alternative timeline active. Marvel fans have since started scrambling for answers as to who Earth-616's anchor being might be. Here's what MCU diehards had to say.
If Hugh Jackman's Logan aka Wolverine was the anchor being from Deadpool's timeline aka Earth-10005, then which hero is for Earth-616?
Doctor Stephen Strange
Doctor Strange technically introduced the concept of the Multiverse in his first flick, and there's no doubt from fans that he would be the most likely to get picked as the "anchor" of the MCU's main timeline.
Apart from being considered the "biggest threat" after the events of Multiverse of Madness, fans also pointed out how Marvel President Kevin Feige previously described the Sorcerer Supreme as the "anchor" of the MCU capable of guiding them through the Multiverse:
Tony Stark aka Iron Man
But of course, Marvel's Avengers and Multiverse wouldn't have existed in the first place if it hadn't been for Tony Stark aka Iron Man kickstarting the Cinematic Universe.
If "anchor being" is defined by the popularity and "glue" that holds the universe together, fans' #1 pick is none other than the genius billionaire.
According to some fans, it is possible that since Earth-616's universe is "dying" (via superhero fatigue and Marvel practically failing to get it right since Iron Man's death), the only solution here is to pull the Stark variant of Doctor Doom into their universe. This could be what Avengers: Secret Wars could be leading us to.
Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch
Seeing as Doctor Strange is on the list, Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch should be included as a candidate, too. If anything, both sorcerers are involved in the expansion of the Multiverse, given also the events of WandaVision.
Even the series director Matt Shakman agrees with that theory, "I have to say Scarlet Witch. My girl, Wanda Maximoff."
However, others debunked the theory of Wanda being the "anchor being" of Earth-616, since she is already considered as a Nexus Being. A Nexus Being, after all, is someone who could alter the future and flow of time in the Multiverse.
While there's a thin line in the definition between an anchor and being a Nexus, as far as the MCU goes, Wanda seems to be the latter. She's faced her death and the only way to bring her back is through traveling to another dimension.
Earth-616 Peter Parker aka Spider-Man
Pitting the MCU's Peter Parker aka Spider-Man might be one of the hottest takes on this list. According to the Cosmic Circus, Spidey might be the answer to balancing Earth-616's reality, especially after the damage No Way Home left on the neighborly hero.
One theory hypothesizes that while Iron Man's 'canon event' is sacrificing himself to save the universe with a snap, Tom Holland's Spidey's canon event might be facing the Iron Man variant Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars.
Loki aka the God of Stories Variant
A rare name across this list comes from fans who lean on Loki's the God of Stories variant from Loki season 2.
Since he is an immortal being looking after the Sacred Timeline's roots in his throne, then he would bode well in protecting it for a lifetime.
The only issue with this theory though is that his main Earth-616 variant already died. And if season 2 pulled a similar Deadpool and Wolverine ending move, then it also implies Earth-616 is in no danger at all of being destroyed, given the safe haven Loki resides in.
Thor the God of Thunder and Nick Fury Might Stand a Chance
Consider these last two heroes as bonuses. Frankly, that one repeated scene of a Thor variant holding the Merc's variant in his arms could mean something in the future MCU (including the parody scene from Thor: Ragnarok).
Either that or the threequel just played its audiences for thinking too deeply about the Multiverse's function.
As for Nick Fury, fans have a similar take on him as they do with Iron Man's existence. There wouldn't be an "Avengers" to assemble if Fury hadn't discovered Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel or recruited Iron Man in the first post-credit scene of the franchise.
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Any "anchor being" MCU candidates you might be considering? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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