Before we get into this delightful discussion, I do want to warn you that this is a spoiler. Do not read this unless you’ve either seen ‘Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness’ or if spoilers don’t bother you. Proceed at your own risk!
Ok? Alright, let’s get to it!
During the mid-credit scene for Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, the good doctor is ambushed out of nowhere by a person wearing a purple garb. She proceeds to tell Stephen that he has caused an incursion. This ambush turns into an invitation to get him to help fix the problem. “You caused an incursion, and we’re going to fix it **dramatic pause** Unless you’re afraid.”
To which he accepts. As for why he accepts, he was pretty guilt-tripped during the movie as one of his multiverse versions also caused an incursion, which happened to wipe out an entire universe. Likely, Doctor Strange, the one from the 616 universe, would like to make amends even if he wasn’t the one who did the damage.
During this encounter, this person opens up a portal to a universe we’ve seen before. A universe with purple and green colors — The Dark Dimension. The very same place that Stephen encountered in the first Doctor Strange movie.
With the challenge accepted, this person and Doctor Strange jumped into the portal, and we are left with the words, “Doctor Strange will return!”
So, what exactly is going on?
Who is this person, and what does she want?
While the person didn’t mention her name, the moment she opened up the Dark Dimension, I knew who it was. Clea. The Sorcerer Supreme of the Dark Dimension, a friend of Doctor Strange (eventually), and the person who’ll become his wife in the comics. She first appeared in the Marvel comics in Strange Tales Volume 1, issue #126.
It was rumored that Charlize Theron would appear in the movie, and I kept looking for her. Yet, with the end near, I didn’t see her. I never expected Sam Raimi to take this route. But damn, if I’m not happy that he did. Charlize Theron will be an amazing Clea, I’m calling that right now.
Clea is an amazing gifted magic user, and unlike most magic users, she can create her own mystical energy and draw upon it. She’s defeated countless magic users; we’re talking about some of the most powered ones. She’s not human either, despite her appearance. She’s a few centuries old and descended from a race of beings called the Faltinians. She’s also the niece of Dormammu.
The funny thing about bringing Clea to the forefront is that in the Marvel comics, she is now the Sorcerer Supreme. After Steph dies in the Death of Doctor Strange mini-series, she has been searching for a way to bring Steph back to life while serving as Sorcerer Supreme on both Earth and the Dark Dimension.
Bringing Clea into the MCU is something I hadn’t considered, as I thought Marvel was playing things a bit too safe. But, this changes a lot of things. For starters, if they go by the comics, Strange will eventually get over Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) now that Clea is in the picture. Secondly, despite Wong being one of my favorite characters in the MCU, he’s woefully underpowered when it comes to Strange — despite being the Sorcerer Supreme. With Clea, Strange will have someone as powerful as he is, which should make for some interesting dynamics. Oh, the banter should be amazing.
As for the next Doctor Strange movie, we don’t have a clue as to when it will be announced. With Kevin Feige already stating that Doctor Strange would become a major player in the ongoing MCU phase, it makes sense. Perhaps we’ll find out at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.
Have you seen Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness yet? If so, what did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments.
