The multiverse-bending narrative of Marvel Rivals continues to captivate players, with the Timestream Entanglement, caused by two Doctor Doom variants, bringing together diverse worlds and characters. Amidst the chaos, a peculiar interaction between Venom and Black Panther has sparked fan theories, with the symbiote exhibiting a distinct unease around Wakanda’s king. While the exact reason remains unclear, the prevailing speculation points to Knull, the god of symbiotes, and his potential influence over Bast, the panther goddess revered by Wakanda.
This theory finds support within the game’s lore and ongoing player investigations. Knull, the creator of the symbiotes, initially sought to annihilate the universe but later opted for dominion through his symbiotic creations. Bast, worshipped as a source of power and guidance by T’Challa, becomes a central figure in this unsettling development. A lore entry depicts T’Challa kneeling before Bast, with Knull subtly present, hinting at a potential corruption. This scene is further underscored by T’Challa’s dismissal of K’Liluna’s advice and assistance, driven by his unwavering faith in Bast. However, the appearance of dark energy surrounding the Hall of Djalia might soon force him to reconsider.
alt text: Black Panther kneeling before Bast, with a subtle presence of Knull hinting at corruption.CREDIT: NetEase
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This ominous discovery, coupled with K’Liluna’s prior warnings, alerts T’Challa to the possibility of Bast’s corruption. Venom’s symbiote, inherently sensitive to Knull’s influence, likely detected this dark connection, explaining its apprehension around Black Panther. The unfolding consequences of this corruption remain to be seen, but Bast’s cryptic words, “You are not the only King in Black that I have come to favor,” carry both a menacing and intriguing weight.
The title “King in Black” could refer to either Knull or Venom, depending on the specific timeline and interconnected universes. However, the narrative strongly suggests Knull’s significant role in upcoming events within Marvel Rivals. Players can anticipate potential new maps, symbiote-themed skins, and perhaps even the introduction of popular symbiote characters like Carnage, Scream, and Riot.
alt text: Knull, the god of symbiotes, looms over a battle scene in Marvel Rivals, hinting at his potential role as a future antagonist.
Knull’s potential corruption of Bast has far-reaching implications for the Marvel Rivals storyline, potentially positioning him as the next major antagonist following the Doctor Doom event. This theory gains further traction with the inclusion of Klyntar, the symbiote homeworld, in the game’s map rotation, serving as another subtle nod to Knull’s growing importance.
Bast’s compromised state raises questions about the fate of other powerful entities within the game’s universe, opening doors for future events and evolving narratives. While the current focus remains on the two Doctor Dooms as the immediate threat, the looming presence of Knull promises a dramatic shift in the Marvel Rivals landscape. Players will eagerly await the unfolding of these storylines and the potential ramifications for their favorite characters.
