'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' Ending Explained: Is Wanda Maximoff's Scarlet Witch dead?
Contains spoilers for 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' has finally hit theatres and the ending signals the end of one of the greatest Avengers, while giving birth to a new one. Much of the focus is on Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch, who after using the Darkhold book to reunite with her children causes massive chaos and is the key antagonist, but her downfall is reminiscent of the line from Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' where she's lived long enough to become the villain.
The final battle is one of the most intriguing sequences as it pits two Avengers who duke it out to save the world. But in many ways, Wanda's end in the MCU, or at least that's the way it does seem, comes from her own hands. She does realize the magnitude of her mistakes, which includes the death of the Illuminati, and in many ways, redeems herself. However, the pivotal character ending is rather flimsy and leaves the window open for a possible return. (Note: Just don't hold your breath)
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'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' Ending Explained: Is Scarlet Witch actually dead?
The movie ends with Wanda destroying the Darkhold throne and temple, and all versions of the bad book across the multiverse. Her atrocities make sense to her only when America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) shows her the effect of her activities where even her own children despise her. She makes peace with the fact that Earth-838’s version of herself is a better mother and in a bid to make things right, she destroys the book and seemingly herself — something that Strange confirms to Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams).
It does appear that Wanda is dead, at least for now. While her death is not as impactful as that of the Illuminati who barely stood a chance against her, the best way for her to die, or rather make amends for her sins, was by killing herself. The final scene shows the collapse of the Darkhold temple, and the mid-credit scenes don't tease her status. That said there is always the possibility that she made it out alive. She did set things right, and it's hard to believe that a character, as powerful as her could be killed after a structure falls on her — not after she's seen and experienced worse.
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' is currently running in cinemas near you.