- Earth-616 is the main continuity or the main timeline in Marvel Comics.
- In the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the main continuity is referred to as Earth-616 as well, but the stories it brings are slightly different from the comic book version of it.
- Previously, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was regarded as Earth-199999, but was later confirmed to be Earth-616.
Keeping track of timelines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a bit like trying to untangle your headphones after shoving them in your pocket. At first, it was simple. Then came the multiverse, and since then, things have never been the same. Now, if you’ve been following Marvel for a while, whether it’s the comics or the cinematic side of things, you’ve definitely heard the term Earth-616 tossed around. But what exactly is Earth-616, and why is it suddenly becoming such a big deal in the MCU? Let’s break it all down while also learning about all timelines in the MCU.
What Is Earth-616 in Marvel Comics?
In simple terms, Earth-616 is the primary universe where most of Marvel’s stories take place, at least in the comics. This label was first coined back in the ’80s to differentiate between alternate timelines, realities, and multiversal spin-offs.
Earth-616 became the main continuity in Marvel Comics, the one where the OG Peter Parker lives, the Avengers appear, and most of the major storylines take place; however, in the MCU, the cinematic side of Marvel, the term Earth-616 has been used a bit differently.
What Is Earth-616 in the MCU and What Events Take Place There?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe officially labeled its main timeline as Earth-616 in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. When Stephen Strange and America Chavez are hopping across dimensions, they land on Earth-838, where Christine Palmer refers to Stephen’s original timeline as Earth-616.
But here’s the thing: this didn’t sit well with a chunk of fans. Why? Because many believed the MCU should be something separate from Earth-616, especially since the comics and the movies don’t line up. Initially, Marvel’s official handbooks labeled the MCU as Earth-199999, which was Marvel’s way of saying that this is a different continuity.
So why the sudden switch? Well, Multiverse of Madness wasn’t the first to call the MCU Earth-616. That honor goes to Spider-Man: Far From Home, where Mysterio claimed that he was from Earth-833 and that Peter’s world was Earth-616. However, back then, everyone dismissed it as fake, considering how ‘truthful’ Mysterio has been throughout the movie.
Is Earth-616 the Main MCU Timeline?
According to Ms. Marvel, Loki, Quantumania, and other MCU Phase 4 and 5 projects, the multiverse is real, branching timelines are a thing, and incursions are on the table. So, yes, as per the current MCU logic, the timeline we’ve been following since Iron Man (2008) is officially Earth-616.
However, here is when things get a little complicated: just because something’s called Earth-616 doesn’t mean it has to line up with the comics’ Earth-616. In fact, it doesn’t. The MCU’s version is more like a cinematic recreation of the original Marvel continuity. It borrows characters, arcs, and aesthetics but rearranges them in a way that fits the big-screen format.
What Other MCU Timelines Have We Seen So Far?
Now that Earth-616 is officially the main MCU timeline, it’s worth looking at some of the other Earths we’ve seen so far in different projects from the MCU:
1. Earth-838
Featured in Multiverse of Madness, where the Illuminati exists, Reed Richards got turned into spaghetti, and Charles Xavier still rolls around in that iconic yellow hover-chair. This universe seems a little more advanced, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about how multiversal knowledge can lead to disaster.
2. Earth-833
Mentioned by Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Though in that case, it was a total bluff. But in the comics, Earth-833 is the home of Spider-UK and the Captain Britain Corps, so it might still appear sometime later.
3. Timelines From Loki
In Loki, we learn about “The Sacred Timeline,” curated by the TVA. When Sylvie kills He Who Remains, this timeline fractures into countless branches. These branches aren’t necessarily different Earths, but they are distinct timelines that can become alternate universes.
4. What If…? Universes
Every episode of What If…? is set in its own unique universe, giving us glimpses of timelines where T’Challa became Star-Lord or where zombies took over the MCU. These timelines have officially become canon-adjacent and may even spill over into future films.
Why Is Earth-616 Important in the MCU?
The real reason Earth-616 is so important right now is that it’s going to serve as the final battleground in Avengers: Secret Wars. If Marvel follows even loosely in the footsteps of Jonathan Hickman’s comic arc, then the collision of multiple Earths or incursion will lead to the collapse of multiverses and the creation of a new, unified reality.
That’s also likely the moment when the MCU gets its much-talked-about soft reboot, which would allow Marvel to recast major characters, clean up loose plot threads, and bring in newly acquired heroes like the X-Men and Fantastic Four without having to explain every multiversal breadcrumb along the way.
And if you’ve been paying attention to recent Marvel news, you already know that post-Secret Wars, we’re likely looking at a brand-new timeline with recast heroes and a fresh MCU chapter. Earth-616 might still be the label, but the players and history? That could change dramatically. So, if you went through this article with sheer dedication, the next time someone drops “Earth-616” into a conversation, you’ll know exactly what’s going on.
