The following contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, now in theaters.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness isn’t just a follow-up to the first Doctor Strange movie. In fact, it’s building upon ideas and concepts from Spider-Man: No Way Home, WandaVision, and arguably even the show What If…?. Bringing together the good Doctor with a few other prominent Marvel faces, the film gives audiences a look at just how different some versions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are.
The movie also features cameos of fan-favorite characters and even a returning comic book movie legend in the director’s chair. What results is a film that promises to be both magical and maddening. Rumors and Easter Eggs abound around and within the movie, making it easily the most anticipated film since No Way Home.
The Cast and Crew of Multiverse of Madness
Playing the title role of Doctor Strange is Benedict Cumberbatch, who returns after last being seen in No Way Home. He also plays a few alternate versions of the character, namely one corrupted by the energy of the Darkhold. Elizabeth Olsen reprises her role as Scarlet Witch, still reeling from the events of WandaVision. This trauma sees her walk a dark path, one which could endanger the still unstable multiverse.
Chiwetel Ejiofor returns as Mordo, though he’s playing an alternate universe variant instead of picking up where the version from 2016’s Doctor Strange left off. Other returning cast members are Benedict Wong, Michael Struhlbarg and Rachel McAdams as Wong, Nicodemus West and Christine Palmer, respectively.
There are also numerous new faces, though some are more familiar than others. Xochitl Gomez portrays America Chavez, a teenager from another dimension who can literally punch doors in reality to enter the multiverse. Hayley Atwell and Lashana Lynch portray Captain Carter and Captain Marvel, alternate versions of their mainstream variants. Most excitingly, Patrick Stewart returns as a variant of Professor Charles Xavier, with even Anson Mount playing an alternate version of Black Bolt from the Inhumans TV show. John Krasinski, heavily demanded by fans to play Reed Richards in the MCU, finally does just that as an alternate Reed. These matter characters make up the Illuminati, who all come to oppose Scarlet Witch.
Replacing Scott Derrickson, the director of the first movie, is none other than acclaimed filmmaker Sam Raimi. Both a master of horror and well-known for directing the original three Spider-Man movies, Raimi is a great pick for the film. Derrickson was originally set to direct but left after the film began production due to creative differences.
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The Story and Premise of Doctor Strange 2
The basic story of Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness has the mainstream Marvel Cinematic Universe Doctor Strange protecting America Chavez, who saw her version of Strange die. Journeying throughout the multiverse, Strange and America soon discover that the threat they face isn’t what they believed and that an old ally might be far more dangerous than they could’ve imagined.
Envisioned as the first true “horror” MCU movie, Multiverse of Madness promises that and more with Raimi at the helm. The film will also tie into and expand the multiverse focus of the previous MCU works even further, helping to make it the central theme of the next saga.
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Easter Eggs and References in Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Due to the multiversal nature of the film, references to works in Marvel Comics and other sources abound. The aforementioned Captain Carter first appeared in What If…?, with one evil Strange variant being very similar to Strange Supreme from the same series. Carter even says Steve Rogers’ line of “I can do this all day".
A monstrous creature from the comics appears in the movie, as well. Though named Gargantos, the beast seems like an homage to Shuma Gorath. Likewise, some of the various worlds in the multiverse homage different aspects of the comic book Marvel Universe, with one prehistoric world resembling the iconic Savage Land. The character of Rintrah also appears, though his role is minimal at best.
Perhaps the best Easter Eggs are some of the musical cues. The theme from WandaVision is briefly heard at one point, and even Professor Xavier is serenaded with notes from the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series theme. Another big “Easter Egg” (more of a foreshadow) takes place in the post-credits scene, introducing a character very important to the mythos of Dr. Strange. Of course, Bruce Campbell also shows up briefly, as he’s a frequent collaborator of Sam Raimi’s. On this same note is a culinary homage to a friendly neighborhood hero.
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Multiverse of Madness: Fan Theories and Rumors
Heading into its release, Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness has tons of theories and rumors surrounding it. Many involve Raimi directing the movie, with some theorizing that Tobey Maguire’s incarnation of Spider-Man would return, or at least be hinted at. The same goes for other non-Marvel Studios productions such as the Ang Lee directed Hulk or the Tim Story Fantastic Four movies, the latter of which would be especially interesting given who played Human Torch. In bringing in more and more worlds throughout the multiverse, the movie could also be setting up Marvel’s next big crossover in the form of Secret Wars.
Other theories involve the role of the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, neither of whom have been properly introduced in the MCU yet. Xavier may somehow recognize Wanda, and in doing so be used to introduce the concept of mutants. From there, Strange could seek out the presence of mutants, as well as his own version of Reed Richards, in the mainstream Earth.
The answer to these rumors and more await in the eponymous Multiverse of Madness, with the film now receiving widespread release. It will not be released in Saudi Arabia and some other regions, however, due to the inclusion of LGBT character America Chavez. The film has received mostly okay reviews so far, though it’s still decidedly mixed, especially for an MCU feature.
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