If there is one thing Marvel Studios is known for, it is their ability to keep all their projects under strict confidentiality. Of course, there have been instances where actors inadvertently disclosed information during press tours (Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo, if you recall), and with paparazzi constantly on the lookout for any scoop, especially during outdoor filming, these challenges persist. Nevertheless, Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, ensures that all individuals involved in MCU films, regardless of their proximity to the project, sign stringent non-disclosure agreements. On this peaceful Saturday afternoon (very early on the East Coast of the US and still nighttime towards Los Angeles), a serious incident occurred. Indeed, concept art for several upcoming or cancelled MCU films and series was posted on the Artstation portfolio of Mushk Rizvi, a well-known Marvel Studios artist who has previously worked on projects such as “Ms. Marvel,” “She-Hulk,” and Capcom’s video game. It remains unclear whether she experienced a hack or simply made an error, but her page was removed just a few hours after the leak. If you follow social media closely and your algorithm favors superhero news, it is likely that you have seen some of these leaked works circulating online.
AVENGERS DOOMSDAY / SECRET WARS MIDDLE AGES?
Certainly, what interests us most is the concept art of scenes she designed for the film “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars,” which will begin filming next month in April 2025, in London neighborhoods. The first point of interest is clearly the rendering of Dr. Doom (Dr. Fatalis in French dubbing), who will be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU. This casting decision may be seen as a departure from expectations, but Kevin Feige’s choice aligns closely with one of Marvel’s most beloved comic books, “Infamous Iron Man.” This standalone story features Dr. Doom taking over Iron Man’s role in an alternate universe when Tony Stark is absent. Returning to the concept art, the depiction of Dr. Doom is particularly noteworthy, showing him seated on a throne (as seen in Secret Wars), clad in his signature decomposed armor with a mask that reveals a stern face and unsettling green eyes. His cape, blending canvas and fur, adds both substance and style to the rendering.
One sees Dr. Doom again, seated on his throne, wearing a white outfit reminiscent of the Secret Wars comic, accompanied by several of his subjects. Clearly visible is Dr. Strange (with Benedict Cumberbatch’s face), standing at his right in a long robe with his cape, while to his right is a woman dressed as a queen and a young boy, also dressed in noble attire. If we consider the events of the Secret Wars comic-book, this would be Sue Storm, who had a child with him. Remember, we’re in the Multiverse. In the comic, it’s Valeria, a young girl, but here, it’s a boy. Across from Dr. Doom is a man kneeling and chained, possibly Reed Richards, our Mr. Fantastic, held captive by a young woman many believe to be Yelena Belova, the new Black Widow and sister of Natasha Romanoff. However, what draws attention is the setting. Yes, we’re in a castle, as often seen with Dr. Doom, but upon closer look at the other characters’ attire, it’s clear we’re in another era, likely the Middle Ages or an alternative medieval world. This aligns with recent statements from the Russo brothers, directors of the upcoming Avengers films, who admitted to going for something more radical, aiming to surprise Marvel fans. Placing “Avengers Doomsday” in a medieval setting and introducing Robert Downey Jr./Dr. Doom as a lord of this world is indeed an astonishing, bold, and radical choice.
Concept art featuring a medieval theme includes the Hulk clan on high alert. The artwork shows Smart Hulk, She-Hulk (with Tatiana Maslany’s face), and an injured Hulk with an arrow in his liver. They are all dressed in medieval attire, making the period choice clear from the background details. This setting is part of Battleworld from Secret Wars, a planet reconstructed from fragments of other worlds across multiple parallel universes as depicted in the comic, offering ample room for imaginative storytelling.
FROM T’CHALLA TO T’CHANDA
Furthermore, the Black Panther character is featured in these leaked images, appearing in several versions of his costume. The file refers to the name T’Chanda, also known as Azzuri, who was indeed the Black Panther during World War II. Actor Damson Idris takes on this role following Chadwick Boseman’s passing and after the unsuccessful attempt to pass it to Shuri in Black Panther 2. This approach is a clever way to reinvigorate interest in the character while respecting Boseman’s legacy. Additionally, noteworthy from these concept arts is T’Chanda’s headquarters: a massive panther embedded into a mountain with its two front legs, reminiscent of the Cosmocats base. Enough to generate significant excitement and speculation.
STAR LORD & THE YOUNG AVENGERS
In the Earth-616 universe of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), preparations are also under way for a significant change, and new artwork shows that Star-Lord/Peter Quill will now oversee the Young Avengers alongside Wong. Since his Guardians of the Galaxy team was disbanded and he has found himself on Earth, it is likely that he has taken on the role of mentoring these emerging superheroes. Among the well-known Young Avengers, from left to right are Kate Bishop (seen in the Hawkeye series), Cassie Lang (spotted in Ant-Man 3), Billy Kaplan alias Wiccan (revealed at the end of Agatha All Along), and likely his twin brother, Tommy Maximoff, wearing green. Miss Marvel has also taken on the role of recruiter for the Young Avengers, similar to Nick Fury’s position. Additionally, a character resembling the Ghostbusters’ Slime-Eating Dog appears beside them with an ‘X’ marked on its belly; this is Doop, who belongs to the X-Men family.
THE FOUR AMAZING, THE FAMILY
The leak of Mushk Rizvi’s portfolio also provided insight into what is anticipated in the next “Fantastic Four” film, whose first trailer set records for audience and global views. The images confirm the presence of a child within the Richards family, as analyzed by Marvel fans after the teaser was released. Herbie is among the drawn characters, clearly indicating it is Franklin Richards as an infant. This is likely to be the reason Galactus invades their world, as some astute fans had predicted. While concept art showcases peaceful family life, another artwork depicts our four superheroes escaping in a vehicle created by Sue Storm’s powers. Panic is evident on each character’s face, with Reed Richards protecting what he holds most dear: his child. This seems to imply the threat of Galactus, who would require Franklin for his plans. Another piece of concept art reveals Sue Storm’s abilities, including creating protective fields and echolocation, adding a clever twist to the film.
A series of sketches provides insight into the female version of Silver Surfer, who will be portrayed by Julia Garner in upcoming films but was not present in the initial teaser. Her appearance is similar to that of the original Silver Surfer, implying this could be an alternate version prior to the true Silver Surfer’s introduction within the MCU timeline.
QUILL AND CHILL
However, it is important to note that there are also images from the series “Vision Quest,” for which filming dates have not been announced. We do know that the series will feature White Vision, who escaped at the end of the “WandaVision” series, allowing Vision to return in a sense. In the leaked images, it can be seen that he has formed a friendship with Peter Quill, who appears to be enjoying life on Earth. The pictures show him with pizza, beer, holding a remote, and smiling, creating a relaxed atmosphere between the two characters.
MADAME ULTRON
Finally, a last visual reveals what appears to be a female version of Ultron, identified as Jocasta. In the comics, she was created by Ultron himself, basing her design on Janet Van Dyne, also known as the Wasp. Initially an antagonist, Jocasta later became an ally of the Avengers in subsequent stories. At present, it is unclear which film or series this character belongs to, but there is a possibility that it may be connected to “Avengers Doomsday,” with ties to Tony Stark and Robert Downey Jr.
—Marvel Studios artist Mushk Rizvi inadvertently shared concept art for upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects on Artstation. The artwork includes scenes from ‘Avengers Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars,’ set in a medieval world, featuring Dr. Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.), Dr. Strange, Sue Storm with a child, and Reed Richards as a captive. Other leaks reveal the character T’Chanda, or Azzuri, a Black Panther figure played by Damson Idris; Star-Lord teaching Young Avengers members including Kate Bishop, Cassie Lang, Billy Kaplan (Wiccan), and possibly his twin Tommy Maximoff; a glimpse into the ‘Fantastic Four’ film with Franklin Richards, Herbie the mechanical dog, and a scene of the family fleeing from Galactus in panic; a female version of the Silver Surfer character, likely portrayed by Julia Garner; scenes from an unannounced series titled ‘Vision Quest,’ featuring White Vision and Peter Quill engaging in relaxed Earth activities together; and a potential female Ultron iteration, possibly Jocasta. These leaks suggest significant changes and promising new storylines within the MCU.—
