Warning: Major Spoilers Ahead For Multiverse Of Madness!
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opened the floodgates to different realities, as its titular Sorceror Supreme (Benedict Cumberbatch) explored various universes in his desperate attempts to stop the powerful Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) from wreaking havoc on the multiverse.
Much like previous entries in the MCU’s multiverse saga, this film sees several variants of well-known characters hailing from alternate dimensions appear. These characters are put to the test during the events of the film, with some emerging braver than others.
Defender Strange
Defender Strange is the variant met in the opening scene of Multiverse of Madness, who accompanies America Chavez to the Space Between Worlds in an attempt to escape the demon that pursues them. However, upon realizing that they have lost, this Strange attempts to steal America’s powers, which would prove fatal to the young hero, only to die himself at the hands of the demon, which is controlled by the Scarlet Witch.
While this Strange appears to be just as powerful as the MCU’s version of the Master of the Mystic Arts, his courage falters when it is most necessary, leading him to make a cowardly choice under the guise of protecting the universe. Earth-616’s Doctor Strange would later prove that America would not have to be sacrificed in order to save the day, confirming Defender Strange’s ultimate weakness.
Mordo Supreme
Chiwetel Ejiofor returns to the MCU for the first time since Doctor Strange in 2016 as an alternate universe version of Doctor Strange’s archnemesis Mordo. Mordo serves as the Illuminati’s replacement for Stephen Strange after the former Sorceror Supreme was executed for his crimes against reality during Earth-838’s battle with the Titan Thanos.
This version of Mordo proves to be quite conniving and untrustworthy, much like the version with which audiences are familiar. He pretends to be Strange’s friend, only to drug him unconscious so that he can be brought before the Illuminati. He is ultimately the only member of this group not to face the Scarlet Witch when she attacks, remaining in the council chamber with Strange while the battle rages on.
Black Bolt
Black Bolt is one of the strongest Inhumans of all time, whose debut in the ABC series The Inhumans did a great disservice to an otherwise amazing character. Anson Mount reprises his role in Multiverse of Madness as King Blackagar Boltagon, a member of Earth-838’s Illuminati.
As a member of the Illuminati, Black Bolt courageously stands up to Scarlet Witch after she infiltrates their chambers, but he ultimately finds himself completely unable to withstand her power, becoming the first member of his team to perish in battle. Though he was certainly brave to confront a powerful mutant such as Wanda Maximoff, Black Bolt had no idea what kind of battle he was running into.
Dark Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch plays a number of Doctor Strange variants throughout his second solo film in the MCU, including one particular version who leaned heavier into a common trait among Doctor Strange variants throughout the multiverse, their arrogance, bringing about the destruction of his own universe.
This version of Strange ultimately proves to be an enemy to the primary superhero, turning against him in order to keep the Darkhold for himself. He ultimately dies as undignified as he lived, alone and without honor, leaving his far more courageous counterpart to continue his crusade against the villainous Scarlet Witch.
Maria Rambeau (Captain Marvel)
Lashana Lynch makes an appearance as a member of Earth-838’s Illuminati, Maria Rambeau. Having previously portrayed Earth-616’s Rambeau in Captain Marvel, Lashana’s new character appears to have been the Captain Marvel of her universe, possessing the same powers as Carol Danvers in the MCU.
This version of Captain Marvel proves to be just as powerful as that seen in previous entries of the MCU, who is unafraid to charge into battle. While truly courageous, this variant also seems to have an arrogant streak, which proves to be her undoing as she battles the Scarlet Witch.
Professor Charles Xavier
Sir Patrick Stewart once again reprises his iconic role as Professor Charles Xavier, who serves both as the leader of the X-Men and as the head of Earth-838’s council of the Illuminati. This version of Xavier seems to more closely resemble that of the X-Men animated series than Stewart’s previous incarnation from the Fox franchise, though this particular variant ultimately appears to be a brand-new version of the character.
Earth-838’s Professor X seems to be just as warm and loving as the versions that fans grew up watching in other franchises, but also capable of fighting back against evil when he needs to. This Xavier journeys into the perilous annals of Wanda Maximoff’s mind, perhaps the most dangerous mind he has ever encountered. While this strategy is incredibly brave, even for the world’s most powerful telepath, it ends in the mutant’s untimely demise.
Christine Palmer (Earth-838)
Christine Palmer makes her return to the MCU, portrayed by Rachel McAdams. Though the original version of Palmer is also present in the film, it is her Earth-838 counterpart that gets far more screentime. This version of Christine is a doctor working at the Baxter Foundation, who observes and categorizes other universes, including Earth-616, the primary location of the events of the MCU.
Christine Palmer is the rare individual with no superpowers who still does not hesitate to put herself in harm’s way when it means protecting innocent people. This brave individual confronted evil sorcerers, a wicked witch, and undead demons all in the space of a single day in order to protect America Chavez, proving herself to be an extraordinarily courageous hero.
Captain Carter
Hayley Atwell returns as an alternative version of her What If…? character Captain Carter, who, in her timeline, received the super-soldier serum at the onset of World War II rather than Steve Rogers. She is a member of Earth-838’s Illuminati and is also revealed by Karl Mordo to be her universe’s “First Avenger,” much like Steve Rogers was on Earth-616.
Captain Carter seems to possess all the honorable traits of Earth-616’s Captain America, including his refusal to stand down, even in a losing battle. Despite not possessing the cosmic superpowers of Scarlet Witch or Captain Marvel, Carter manages to hold out longer than several of her compatriots against Wanda before dying heroically in battle.
Reed Richards
In a moment of incredible wish fulfillment, Multiverse of Madness revealed John Krasinski as Earth-838’s Mister Fantastic, perhaps also confirming his casting for the MCU itself, thereby leading fans to begin their fan-casting for the other three members of the Fantastic Four. The version depicted in this film, however, is already a career superhero who serves as a member of the Illuminati.
Reed Richards isn’t just a genius, he is also one of the bravest men alive. Despite knowing that he was no match for Wanda Maximoff, he did not hesitate to confront her, putting himself between her and his friends. Richards reveals that he intends to save the world for his wife and children, only to die gruesomely at the Scarlet Witch’s hand only moments later.
America Chavez
America Chavez is the newest superhero to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hailing from the Utopian Parallel, she has the power to open up star portals that lead to other universes within the multiverse. America is pursued by the Scarlet Witch, who desires to steal her powers in order to escape to a reality where her children, Billy and Tommy, are alive.
America Chavez quickly proves her own courageousness throughout the course of Multiverse of Madness. Though she does not yet fully understand her own powers, she comes to accept her role as one of the MCU’s next superheroes. Additionally, in the climax of the film, America demonstrates her willingness to lay down her own life to protect the world, a sacrifice which thankfully proved unnecessary, allowing the burgeoning superhero to live to fight another day.
