2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” played an intriguing move on Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) viewers, potentially echoed by “Avengers: Doomsday” after its latest cast reveal. The second installment of Sam Raimi’s “Doctor Strange,” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character, embarks on a multidimensional voyage that lands him and America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) in Earth-838. Here they encounter the Illuminati, an alternate universe superhero collective comprising Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Charles Xavier/Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Captain Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), Black Bolt (Anson Mount), Captain Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch), and Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (John Krasinski). This unexpected encounter significantly alters the narrative of “Multiverse of Madness.” In Earth-838, Strange implores the Illuminati to aid him in defeating the Darkhold-wielding Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), but they are wary of him due to their version of Strange being a traitor. The Scarlet Witch, possessing the universe’s Wanda Maximoff, arrives at the facility with the intention of capturing America.
In this scenario, members of the secret society known as The Illuminati are dramatically gathered when the powerful Scarlet Witch begins eliminating them one after another. First, Black Bolt’s mouth mysteriously disappears, leading to his fatal scream destroying himself. Next, the Scarlet Witch tears Reed Richards into numerous strands resembling noodles. Captain Carter quips that she could continue this throughout the day before meeting her end at the hands of the Scarlet Witch and her own shield. Captain Rambeau meets a tragic demise under a falling statue. Professor X attempts to enter Wanda’s mind but is caught off guard by the Scarlet Witch who ends his life silently from behind. This shocking sequence of the Illuminati’s deaths in the movie Multiverse of Madness defied audience expectations for a film packed with cameos. Consequently, the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Avengers: Doomsday promises an opportunity to replicate its most impressive plot twist with the confirmed returns of several original X-Men characters.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ Illuminati Trick Is Brilliant
The Illuminati scene in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is a cleverly deceiving moment. Released less than five months following the reminiscent extravaganza known as “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Multiverse of Madness” once more caters to fan service by reintroducing the cherished X-Men leader and unveiling a well-loved Mr. Fantastic character portrayal, alongside multiple other familiar character appearances on screen. Yet, unlike previous instances, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) takes fans off guard by mercilessly eliminating these characters mere minutes after their debut. In an intelligent and amusing turn of events, “Multiverse of Madness” seemed to be a cameo-filled spectacle that some MCU viewers anticipate, only to shatter it all in such an audacious manner. Essentially, “Doctor Strange 2” seems to mock those who believe numerous superhero appearances elevate a film.
In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the sequence of events skillfully demonstrates Scarlet Witch’s immense power, leaving fans thrilled by her spectacular and somewhat exaggerated elimination of Earth-838’s Illuminati. Unlike many current blockbusters that lean heavily on nostalgia for ticket sales, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stands out by not allowing cameos to overshadow the storyline. While “Doctor Strange 2” subtly suggested the involvement of different character versions prior to its premiere, the movie cleverly employs the Illuminati to keep the plot centered around Doctor Strange, America, and Wanda/Scarlet Witch – whose intriguing storylines are the real core of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Avengers: Doomsday Should Replicate Doctor Strange 2‘s Trick With the X-Men
As a supporter, I believe that with the return of original X-Men members like Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, and Beast in Avengers: Doomsday, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has an excellent chance to prevent this highly anticipated film from becoming merely a nostalgia trip. Instead of making the X-Men characters the main focus, I suggest the writers employ a clever bait-and-switch tactic. This doesn’t mean these iconic characters should meet a dramatic demise as the Illuminati did in Doctor Strange 2, but their exit from the film should be swift and impactful. By doing so, Doomsday can provide some closure for fans who miss the Fox-Marvel franchise while keeping the spotlight on the MCU’s leading figures like Sam Wilson/Captain America, Thor, and other heroes set to appear in the next Avengers movie. This approach ensures that both X-Men fans and MCU supporters have a memorable experience without one overshadowing the other.
In cinemas starting May 2nd is the MCU’s latest release, Thunderbolts. Each week, new episodes of Daredevil: Born Again can be found on Disney+ every Tuesday. Theaters will showcase Avengers Doomsday on May 1, 2026.
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2025-04-21 00:39