Spider-Man: No Way Home Proves Just How Wrong Doctor Strange Was In Multiverse Of Madness

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Doctor Strange was central to the plots of both Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but his actions ended up contributing to problems in both films. He’s a compelling character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sharing similarities with Tony Stark through his witty, sometimes arrogant personality, while still being incredibly powerful and smart.

In the recent Avengers movies, Infinity War and Endgame, Doctor Strange’s sometimes arrogant behavior felt forgivable because he was busy saving the universe. However, No Way Home and Multiverse of Madness showed a different side of him. In No Way Home, Doctor Strange actually made things worse with his actions. While his flaws aren’t as apparent in Multiverse of Madness, the events of No Way Home reveal them.

The Whole Point Of No Way Home Is To Empathize With Villains

No Way Home wasn’t just a nostalgic gathering of familiar faces—both heroes and villains—from past Spider-Man films. The movie also explored the idea that even villains deserve a second chance. Peter Parker strongly believed this, and his Aunt May reinforced that helping them was a crucial part of his responsibility. The film powerfully emphasized this point, even showing Aunt May sacrifice herself to uphold that message.

Doctor Strange strongly opposed Peter’s plan in the movie. He believed it was dangerous and unwise to do anything besides returning the villains to their original universes, even if it meant they would die. He bluntly told Peter that their deaths were a required sacrifice to safeguard the entire multiverse.

Even if it’s valid to consider other viewpoints, the movie clearly argues that Peter did the right thing by trying to save the villains, despite the personal cost. It essentially champions empathy, even for those who do wrong. However, the sequel, Multiverse of Madness, shows that Doctor Strange still disagrees with Peter’s approach.

Doctor Strange’s Stance Hadn’t Changed In Multiverse Of Madness

While Wanda Maximoff is undeniably the antagonist in Multiverse of Madness, and even though she destroys the Darkhold and herself in the process, that doesn’t change the message of No Way Home. That film showed that villains—especially those influenced or controlled by external forces, like Green Goblin—deserve an opportunity for redemption. Considering Wanda was both under the Darkhold’s influence and a former Avenger who repeatedly saved lives, she deserved that same chance.

When Doctor Strange discovers Wanda is using the Darkhold and pursuing America Chavez, he instantly sees her as an enemy. He’s aware of her past trauma – including the multiple losses she’s suffered between Infinity War and Multiverse of Madness, and the loss of her children – but he doesn’t offer her any understanding or compassion.

Doctor Strange Is Guilty Of Worsening The Problems In Both Movies

Doctor Strange consistently tries to make the best decisions in both No Way Home and Multiverse of Madness, but his choices often backfire. He actually creates or worsens problems in both films. For example, in Multiverse of Madness, he immediately views Wanda as a threat and, crucially, tells her that her children aren’t real. Even if he believed she was mistaken, this only escalated the situation and made her more upset.

In No Way Home, Strange acts even more strangely. Peter asks him for help because everyone now knows his identity as Spider-Man, which has caused problems for Ned, MJ, and himself getting into MIT. This leads to disaster. While Strange tries to blame Peter for interrupting the spell, the real issue is that Strange rushed into casting it without fully explaining the risks or making sure Peter understood what was happening.

It’s strange—and a little worrying—how Doctor Strange acts in both No Way Home and Multiverse of Madness. He’s a doctor and a powerful sorcerer, so you’d think he’d understand the importance of clear communication. Yet, he often doesn’t explain things properly, and when Peter Parker tries to clarify, Strange abruptly changes his spell with terrible consequences. He isn’t a bad guy, but his rigid, all-or-nothing view of villains, which continues in Multiverse of Madness, is frustrating and concerning.

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2026-04-13 16:12