Marvel producer Nate Moore addresses rumors about Doctor Doom being in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Following Disney's purchase of 20th Century Fox, the Marvel Cinematic Universe can now incorporate the X-Men and Fantastic Four into the franchise. While the X-Men have enjoyed a slightly successful film career, just about all big screen versions of The Fantastic Four has been met with derision from critics and audiences alike due to their departure from the source material or for their downright laughable plots used for what should be a grand film with the biggest sufferer being the character of Doctor Doom.

Following the beginning of production on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, there was already major buzz over what the premise would be about following the death of its lead star Chadwick Boseman and what direction or story it would take. Tenoch Huerta was announced as the pick for the film's antagonist Namor, the Sub-Mariner, a character that is usually associated with The Fantastic Four. This lead to countless rumors that the film would be one giant set-up for Marvel's First Family and introduce their biggest nemesis Doctor Doom in a supposed post-credits scene that was cut from the final film for unknown reasons.

Related: The MCU Really Wants You To Think Doctor Doom Is Secret Wars' Villain

It appears that the reports of Doctor Doom's debut in the Black Panther sequel were greatly exaggerated as Nate Moore took to ComicBook.com to debunk the story that the famed villain was ever going to appear in the film. Doctor Doom is a major villain, not just for The Fantastic Four, but to the entire Marvel Universe as a whole. Understandably, introducing such a big character would be an arduous task with prior reports suggesting that he will not even appear in the foursome's next feature film. Moore went into a great explanation as to why they opted not to include the villain in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever:

It wasn't to be quite honest, although I get why, and he's such a great character in the world of Latveria and Ryan is a fan. But once we decided Namor was going to be the antagonist, that was always going to be the focus.

Why It's Good Doctor Doom Is Not In Black Panther 2

Doctor Doom uses his powers in Marvel Comics.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever already has a lot on its plate, as it addresses Boseman's passing, passes the Black Panther mantle to a new character, and introduces Namor as a fascinating antagonist. Bringing in Doctor Doom, even for just a post-credits stinger, would run the risk of distracting from the film's tone and message. Interestingly enough, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever just has one credits scene, as the filmmaking team felt it would be "disingenuous" to throw a typical tag at the end. This suggests teasing future MCU developments was not a priority, and instead the purpose of that lone credits scene is to pay tribute to the late Boseman and honor his legacy, closing the film off on a poignant note. Considering how emotionally charged Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's release is, it's for the best the focus remain on Boseman and the story at hand.

Even though Black Panther: Wakanda Forever isn't the best place to introduce the MCU's Doctor Doom, there will be plenty of opportunities to bring him to the franchise in the near future. Speculation is he's being saved for a credits stinger in Marvel's Fantastic Four reboot, setting up the villain's larger role to play in the ongoing Multiverse Saga (perhaps as an antoginst in Avengers: Secret Wars). It will be interesting to watch development on that film unfold and who Marvel casts to play Doctor Doom. After Fox tried and failed to adapt the character twice, it's imperative the MCU's Doom makes an immediate and lasting impact with viewers. That includes picking the right spot to finally showcase him.

Source: ComicBook.com

Next: Casting Doctor Doom For The MCU

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