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If it was not for Robert Downey Jr.’sIron Man, we would not have this concept of the cinematic universe. The MCU established a new way of tying several films, series, and comics together to weave a gigantic cinematic universe. But surprisingly, a new fan theory claims that the 2008 film was never a part of the canonical universe.
The success ofIron Manstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe which went on to become one of the greatest pop culture phenomenons. It amassed a massive worldwide fandom and established Robert Downey Jr. as one of the greatest names in the industry. However, a new theory states that the MCU had its inception fromIron Man2and not the 2008 blockbuster.
Is Robert Downey Jr.’sIron Mannot a part of the primary MCU?
If the question about the first MCU project is asked, any Marvel connoisseur would answerIron Man. As described in Ben Fritz’s bookThe Big Picture: The Fight for the Future of Movies, the 2008 Robert Downey Jr. starrer was made after getting advice from a group of children. Its success led the present Kevin Feige cartel to plan out a new cinematic universe.
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According to a Reddit user @Pietin11, 2008’s film was never a part of the main MCU universe. The fan started his theory by presenting one of the most controversial MCU debates regarding Earth-616 and Earth-199999. Presently, it is established that the events of the MCU take place in Earth-616. However, theOfficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z: Vol. 5, released soon afterIron Manreferenced the universe as Earth-199999.
[Marvel] I humbly present to you, my dumbest fan theory of all time. The film Iron Man (2008) is not set in the MCU.byu/Pietin11inFanTheories
Although the debate is likely to go on for a long time at least untilAvengers: Secret Wars, the MCU has confirmed on several occasions that it takes place in Earth-616. Here the theorist explained that the Official Handbook did not designate the number to the “MCU” but to the “Iron Man Movie (2008)”. He also adds that followingIron Man, we got two of the biggest recasts, Rhodey and Bruce Banner so it may be possible that Earth-199999 was solely designated to the universe shown inIron Manand the events in MCU actually kicked off fromIron Man 2.
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Pietin11 explained that the term “MCU” was officially coined by Kevin Feige for the first time onIron Man 2‘s sets. So there can be a strong possibility that Earth-199999 and Earth-616 are identical universes and 199999’s events also happened in 616 but with a small twist- with Don Cheadle’s Rhodey and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk (instead of Terrence Howard and Edward Norton).
InSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Miguel O’Hara also referenced the events ofSpider-Man: No Way Homebut instead of Earth-616, he referred to it as Earth-199999. This also proves that the events in Earth-616 also take place in Earth-199999.
Is the confusion regarding Earth-616 and Earth-199999 over yet?
The repeated inconsistencies in giving an official universe number to MCU’s Earth have always led to conversations and debates. It was originally known that 616 was the official comics universe. But during Phase 1, a big“616 Universe”written on a chalkboard by scientist Erik Selvig cemented that MCU is also 616.
Later Mysterio’s comments inSpider-Man: Far From Homeand the Earth-838 beings inDoctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madnessalso referred to the MCU as 616. But once againSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verseraised debates after Miguel O’Hara referred to the MCU as 199999.
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Last year a book titledThe Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline,confirmed that the MCU is indeed Earth-616. The book opens with Miss Minutes saying-“welcome to the guidebook on the beings and events that make up the universe known as 616, also known as the Sacred Timeline”(viaComic Book Movie). Although the fans can present several loopholes within the universe, it looks like the MCU wants to stick to Earth-616 until itrebootsthe universe withSecret Wars.
Everything in the MCU can be streamed on Disney+.
Subham Mandal
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1461
Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.
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Robert Downey Jr.
