The following contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, now playing in theaters.
The post-credits sequences of the films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe frequently shift between two formats -- either teasing future players in the universe or playing a quick gag for the audience. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness features two post-credits sequences, with the first one being a potential gamechanger for Doctor Strange going forward.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness formally introduces Doctor Strange's love interest Clea to the MCU -- and on top of setting up one of their foundational storylines together, the film ties it to the threat that could come to define the future of the franchise.
The post-credits sequence from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness occurs after things have calmed down for the heroes. Scarlet Witch has seemingly perished, realizing the extent of her mistakes and sacrificing her safety to destroy the spells tied to the Darkhold. America Chavez has found a home in Kamar-Taj, where she trains her powers under the watchful eye of Wong. Reality has been protected, and Doctor Strange is still largely in control, despite the effects of the Darkhold seemingly lingering within him and causing him to sprout a third eye in his forehead, similar to the sinister variant he defeated in battle earlier in the film.
While walking down the street, though, Doctor Strange finds himself confronted by a mysterious woman in purple clothes and white hair. Played by Charlize Theron, the woman warns Strange that the effects of the Incursions -- a multiversal disaster wherein two realities collide and potentially destroy each other -- continue to endanger the multiverse. She recruits Strange to her cause and rips open a tear in reality (with the portal seemingly leading to the MCU's distinct-looking version of the Dark Dimension). Strange casually agrees to accompany her, and the sequence ends with their pair rushing off into adventure.
It's clear to fans of the original comics that this woman is Clea, Doctor Strange's most enduring love interest. Clea debuted early in the history of Doctor Strange, first appearing in Strange Tales #126 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Clea is the daughter of the powerful Umar and niece to Dormammu, one of Marvel's most powerful demonic forces and the ultimate threat of the first Doctor Strange film.
In the original stories, Clea witnessed Strange's battles against Dormamu and sought to aid him. Strange rescued her and brought her to Earth when this placed her in danger, ultimately becoming her magical mentor and eventual lover. The two were even married after Clea assumed the throne of the Dark Dimension -- though their responsibilities as the Sorceror Supreme of their respective dimensions kept them apart. Clea is currently the Sorcerer Supreme in the core-Marvel Universe, where she's replaced the recently killed Doctor Strange.
It's clear from Clea's appearance -- and the apparent confirmation that they'll be venturing into the Dark Dimension -- that future adventures featuring Doctor Strange could pull from Clea's early stories. If Clea does become a reoccurring figure in the MCU, she and Strange might embark on a new version of their classic romance. But there's a modern touch to the storyline thanks to the presence of Incursions.
The threat and cost of Incrusions are one of the major ways Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness raises the stakes for the entire MCU, hitting at the destructive power of Incursions even when caused by accident. Incursions are also a key element of the build-up to the 2015 Secret Wars storyline, suggesting the rumored Secret Wars for the MCU could be adapting that storyline. Strange and Clea's investigation into them could uncover more about the phenomenon and, in turn, set the stage for them to become vital figures in future stories due to their knowledge of them.
It's an interesting way to potentially push Strange and Clea to the forefront of the MCU, making them crucial in whatever plans the franchise has next. But Clea -- a long-awaited fan favorite -- could help give Strange the push he needs to finally step into a new romance.
To see Clea in the post-credits, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is in theaters now.