'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' may finally introduce the Multiverse and make it the key focus point in MCU's phase 5
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' may still be a good couple of years away and in many ways, we can't help but feel that the sequel will be the starting point of MCU's phase 5. And, for good reason. The title mentions the one word that Marvel has been teasing for years - that about introducing the concept of the multiverse.
Last we heard, 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' teased MCUs foray into the multiverse, but in reality, it was all a front put on by Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). The movies that are already part of phase 4 have not really set up the concept of the multiverse, and this makes 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' an important movie in phase 4 as it sets up potential crossovers and new introductions to the movies to come in the next phase.
For starters, let's take a look at the new villains that we can encounter when Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) takes a trip to the multiverse at some point in the movie. This could mean the return of Dormammu, The Sentinels, Doctor Doom, Apocalypse, The Beyonder, and Galactus, to name a few. This would pretty much set the platform for probably the new Avengers or the reunion of the old ones who faced off against Thanos in the epic battle in 'Avengers: Endgame'.
That's also news for fans as this could pave way for the Avengers and X-Men crossovers, a theory that has been teased for eternity now. Maybe we can look at the return of some of the old mutant heroes (think Scott Summers aka Cyclops, Logan aka Wolverine, Erik Lehnsser aka Magneto) from the X-Men and maybe the Squadron Supreme or a new Spider-Man in Miles Morales. Better yet, the introduction of the 'Fantastic Four'
In the 23 movies that the MCU has dished out so far, it is clear that there are multiple universes that have existed and with the existing theory of Doctor Strange traveling through dimensions and portals in the upcoming installments, we may just see these new heroes and villains make their way into the existing universe.
Plus, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has already revealed that the sequel will be the first 'scary' movie to be produced by Marvel Studios. This could also suggest the mind-bending travel concept that is yet to be introduced.
At present, it is unclear what Doctor Strange is up to. Last we saw, he and Wong (Benedict Wong) were present at Tony Stark aka Iron Man's (Robert Downey Jr.) funeral and perhaps 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' takes place post the events of 'Endgame'. Or, we may just see the good Doctor make an appearance in one of the upcoming Disney series and then take the plot from there.
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' will release on May 7, 2021, and here's a quick read about all that's known so far about the sequel.
