The Marvel universe is preparing for one of its most anticipated releases, Avengers: Doomsday, and a detail has now emerged that adds even more interest to the production. Jonathan Hickman, the writer responsible for Secret Wars, the major 2015 publishing event, has confirmed that he has been collaborating as a consultant on the film's development for years.
This information is particularly relevant now because Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, will take the story Hickman wrote for the comics as their starting point. Marvel Studios is not only drawing inspiration from his ideas but has also sought his direct input throughout the creative process.
Hickman has been following the film’s development for two and a half years
In an interview with BC, Jonathan Hickman explained that his connection with Marvel Studios goes beyond a one-off collaboration. As he detailed, he regularly works as an advisor for various studios and reviews scripts for projects that are still in the development phase.
In the specific case of Avengers: Doomsday, the writer has followed the project for approximately two and a half years, which has allowed him to observe firsthand how the story has evolved as key production decisions were made.
Hickman described the process as "fascinating," especially following a major shift: the return of the Russo brothers to the director's chair, the addition of Steven McFeely as a writer, and the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the cast, this time playing Doctor Doom.
The writer also noted that he has been able to see material in different stages of production, including scenes without digital effects that appeared finished months later. In his own words, he described the experience as something akin to witnessing "magic," as he watched the material transform in just a few weeks.
Why Hickman is a key piece to understanding Doomsday
To grasp the importance of Jonathan Hickman, it is worth remembering his work on Fantastic Four, Avengers, and New Avengers. For years, the writer wove a complex plot in which various seemingly isolated conflicts ended up connecting into one grand story.
From that era came the incursions, the concept that describes the collision between two parallel realities, which can lead to the destruction of both. This idea was the seed for Secret Wars, the 2015 event that pushed the continuity of the Marvel universe in comics to its limit.
In that comic, the disappearance of the multiverse gave way to Battleworld, a planet composed of fragments from different realities. That story allowed Marvel to reorganize much of its publishing universe, functioning as a sort of partial reboot.
A narrative designed to connect scattered pieces
Hickman is known for his ability to link characters and plots that had been developing separately for years. His comics demand attention, but that complexity is also what makes his stories a puzzle that ends up fitting together with precision.
Considering the number of characters Marvel is bringing together for Avengers: Doomsday, his experience connecting complex narrative threads makes him an especially useful asset for the project.
The Russos prepare their own vision of Secret Wars
Anthony and Joe Russo have acknowledged their admiration for the original 1984 Secret Wars on several occasions, but their upcoming films will also draw from the version Hickman penned in 2015.
This does not mean the film will translate the comic literally. Marvel Studios usually takes major publishing events as inspiration to build its own plots, adapted to the characters and events already established in its cinematic universe.
Incursions, the destruction of realities, and the possibility of uniting characters from different universes fit the direction the Multiverse Saga is taking. Hickman's participation provides a direct connection to the source material, although it is currently unknown which specific suggestions have ended up in the final script.
Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Knowing that the creator of Secret Wars has been able to follow the film's development closely adds another incentive ahead of the premiere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jonathan Hickman?
He is a comic book writer known for his work on Fantastic Four, Avengers, New Avengers, and, especially, for creating Secret Wars, the 2015 publishing event that reorganized the Marvel universe in comics.
What is Hickman’s relationship with Avengers: Doomsday?
Hickman has confirmed that he works as a consultant for Marvel Studios and has followed the film's development for about two and a half years, reviewing scripts at different stages of production.
Is Avengers: Doomsday a direct adaptation of the Secret Wars comic?
Not literally. Marvel Studios usually uses major comic book events as inspiration to build its own plots adapted to its current cinematic universe.
What major changes occurred during the film’s development?
According to Hickman, a turning point was the return of the Russo brothers to the director's chair, the addition of Steven McFeely to the writing team, and the announcement of Robert Downey Jr.'s return, now in the role of Doctor Doom.
When is Avengers: Doomsday released?
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
What are the incursions mentioned in relation to the plot?
It is a concept created by Hickman in the comics that describes the collision between two parallel realities, a phenomenon that can lead to the destruction of both.
