'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness': With Illuminati confirmed, will we see John Krasinski's Reed Richards?
The latest teaser of 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' confirmed the appearance of the Illuminati, so does this mean we will see Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four and most importantly, John Krasinski who was rumored to play the role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The secret team that was teased prior to the release of the film was confirmed when Chiwetel Ejiofor's Baron Mordo namedrops the group.
The Illuminati first appeared in New Avengers #7 by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven. The group comprised of Strange himself, Professor Charles Xavier, Iron Man, Black Bolt, Mr Fantastic, and Namor. The group was formed when Iron Man suggested the organization be formed after the devastating Kree-Skrull war. The movie already teased Patrick Stewart's appearance as Professor X and the appearance of Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez.
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Is Marvel introducing Illuminati? New 'Doctor Strange' trailer hints at EPIC crossover
Who is Marvel's Illuminati?
Following the events of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', Doctor Strange's (Benedict Cumberbatch) actions will have severe consequences as seen in the new trailer. Getting arrested for tampering with time-space reality, he is presented before a mysterious court as the silhouette of the unknown judges is seen. That's Illuminati is hinted at when the voice of Professor Charles Xavier says, "We should tell him the truth." As the MCU begins a new phase, the presence of variants and crossovers is infinite in the exploration multiverse.
There is also the possibility that this could lead to the next major crossover known as 'Secret Wars'. 2015's 'New Avengers Vol 3' introduced the universe-shattering phenomenon known as the Incursions, which eventually led to the massive 'Secret Wars' crossover. The Incursions were cataclysmic events in the comics where one universe bleeds into another, destroying both.
There have already been quite a few teases and rumors that have suggested Marvel may be looking at the 'Secret Wars' storyline to be the next big MCU crossover so it makes sense that Doctor Strange 2 might introduce the Incursions and the Illuminati. 'Secret Wars' has happened twice in Marvel Comics, once as a limited series in the 1980s and a second time in 2015, with both of those events bringing pretty much every popular hero and villain together for a massive crossover.
Is John Krasinski the new Reed Richards?
One of the major rumors doing the rounds is 'Jack Ryan' star John Krasinski stepping in as the new Mr Fantastic. While there is no official confirmation, and Ejiorfor's interview gives nothing away but a slight noise of sorts, it's unlikely that we will see a new face. With the movie already introducing and re-introducing a slew of new characters, Krasinski's appearance, if he is indeed Reed Richards, would just take the focus away from the entire flick and storyline. Now that the MCU is set to bring Stewart back, it's a possibility that there is a Reed Richards in the upcoming blockbuster, but only time will tell if it is Krasinski.
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' releases May 6 in cinemas.