Just how mad did the multiverse get?
Spoilers ahead!
Marvel just released one of their most highly anticipated movies this month: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. With an intense amount of buzz surrounding the movie for months before a release date was even announced, it was hard not to have high expectations. Especially considering how we had a small glimpse into the chaos the multiverse can bring within ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’.
Doctor Strange was released in 2016 and he quickly became one of the most interesting characters in the MCU to watch, his sequel was announced in 2019 which was 3 years ago now.
So was the long wait worth it?
Of course, we have had sight of Strange at work in the previously mentioned ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ where we first get to see him play around with the multiverse, resulting in a lot of damage control being needed. Many believed this movie would perhaps follow on the theme from that, allowing for some mind-blowing returns and cameos: some of the most popular being the return of our new favourite spider-trio (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland), which wouldn’t have been much of a stretch considering they played a huge role in the multiverses opening.
Another fan favourite rumour was the introduction of ‘The Illuminati’ into the MCU movie world. This one turned out to be true, as we see Patrick Stewart return as Professor X leading the group.
One theory I was a little disappointed to see wasn’t true was the cameo of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. We know anything is possible within the Multiverse, so it wouldn’t be so farfetched to see Iron Man make a small appearance within one of the other universes, right?
Now getting onto the movie itself. Did it live up to expectations? Yes and No. Let me explain
Yes, it did in the sense of it had the action, it had the suspense, and it had the humour we all know and love. However, I do believe it was a little lacking compared to the hype it got in a few areas. As mentioned, cameos were one of the lacking areas, but it is forgivable. Another area I believe it lacked in was the horror fest. Now of course I know the MCU isn’t a horror-based genre however, with the talks of it being the highest age rated movie made by Marvel, and it being the darkest, I do believe they played it a little safe. Yes, there were a few gruesome moments spewed here and there: like when Wanda Maximoff brutally kills off nearly all the Illuminati members using their powers against them.
Overall, I believe they could have stretched the horror of it just a little further, especially with Sam Raimi directing.
One thing I loved about this movie is that the trailer was misleading, many fans thought from the trailer that Wanda was going to be recruited to help Strange contain whatever evil would cause mayhem across the multiverse. The trailer heavily suggests a alter ego of Doctor Strange would in fact be the main villain. It turned out to be the complete opposite, with Wanda going full Scarlet Witch and becoming the force of evil. And boy did she do it well. Elizabeth Olsen deserves an Oscar for her performance. This was a refreshing plot twist as the whole good version VS bad version of a character is severely overplayed.
As someone who watched WandaVision it was easy to see the reasoning behind Wanda’s actions, and at times it was a little hard to see her as the villain. I mean she did have a point when she said everything she loved had been taken from her for nothing. She was just trying to get back her happiness. Although I will admit, stalking and attempted murder of a minor (America Chavez) and your own ‘other self’ through a multiverse is a little extreme. All in all, it was satisfying watching Wanda explore her true power and become engrossed in it. But even here, I feel they could have taken her character to an even darker level. It all still felt a little PG for the plot.
Another thing I was a little disappointed about was the lack of Wong. He is hilarious and badass, so why was he barely given any screentime?
The little time he did have on screen was proof of why he is the Sorcerer Supreme and hopefully Marvel decides to give him his own spotlight one day.
I believe they could have delved even deeper into the theatrics and intricacy of the multiverse. They touched on it a little, but for a movie based solely on the multiverse, I believe it was lacking depth.
The ending of the plot was very predictable in simple terms. Ok it was a relief that Wanda decided to switch teams at the last minute and not destroy every universe or kill her ‘other self’ to steal her children back. And yes, it was a small shock to see her sacrifice herself to destroy all versions of the darkhold, stopping all other demons from using it for their own evil purposes. And it was cute to see America Chavez (the heroin of the story) training at the sanctuary, it was just a little too predictable that she would be able to control her power at the end and overcome Scarlet Witch’s attacks.
It just didn’t have that gasp factor that a few of the other Marvel endings give.
Overall, the whole movie was lacking that moment in the cinema where everyone collectively gasps or cheers.
Don’t get me wrong it was an amazing movie, it just was lacking a little spark.
One thing I am excited for is to see the next instalment. The sneak peek at the end credits shows Clea turn up and tell Strange he has caused an incursion and he needs to fix it. This opens the possibility of Dr Strange delving deeper into the darkness of the multiverse, which is what we need, especially now that he has unlocked his third eye.
If you haven’t seen Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, go now, it is still a must watch.
Lauren is a content writer that is creating her own book and aspires to become a published author. While writing content, she also spends her time performing as an actress for different projects presented to her.
