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Despite being one of the most captivating MCU films to date, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness still has several script inconsistencies that need clarification.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stands as a pivotal film in Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) thus far. Under the direction of Sam Raimi, this film delves deeper into the concept of the multiverse and the potential risks it poses to the MCU's reality. It has also garnered attention for its inclusion of various familiar Marvel comic characters, notably the Illuminati from the Earth-838 universe.
However, the film leaves too many gaps in its script that audiences may have overlooked amidst the excitement of Doctor Strange's multiverse adventure.
How were Billy and Tommy born?
One of the biggest twists in WandaVision was the revelation that Wanda didn't actually have children. She used magic to create them and immersed herself in the illusion of happiness. Biologically, Wanda couldn't have children with Vision - who is essentially a machine created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. However, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness suggests that in another (or multiple) universe(s), Wanda still gave birth to twins Billy and Tommy.
Both these kids bear an uncanny resemblance to Wanda's magically created sons in WandaVision, with the only difference being that both of these actually exist. However, audiences are left in the dark about their father's identity, but it's almost certain that it's not Vision for reasons analyzed earlier.
In the comics, Billy and Tommy are both members of the Young Avengers - a team that Marvel Studios is quietly building to introduce into the MCU in the near future.
What was Wanda's superhero alias before this film was released?
In the comics, Wanda's superhero alias has always been Scarlet Witch. However, due to copyright reasons prior to Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019, Wanda's film version never revealed her alias, despite being a full-fledged member of the Avengers. It wasn't until the end of the WandaVision series that she unleashed her Chaos Magic and officially became Scarlet Witch.
This raises questions about Wanda's previous alias while operating with the Avengers. Even a public figure like Tony Stark had to use the pseudonym Iron Man in his superhero endeavors. While this detail may seem trivial, it underscores the potential risks of identity security in the MCU.
The fate of Captain Marvel Earth-838 - Maria Rambeau
One of the most exhilarating moments in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is when Scarlet Witch engages in a fierce battle with the Illuminati of Earth-838. Contrary to many predictions, she effortlessly eliminates all her adversaries, including Mr. Fantastic, Captain Carter, Black Bolt, and Professor X.
However, in the case of Captain Marvel Maria Rambeau, Marvel Studios' scriptwriting team hasn't really crafted a tight narrative. In this universe, Maria possesses universe-level superpowers similar to Carol Danvers in the main MCU timeline. And audiences are well aware of Carol's formidable nature, having once even withstood a punch powered by the Power Stone from Thanos without sustaining significant injury.
So, it's hard to believe that Maria Rambeau could perish just because of an ordinary statue collapsing on her body.
Why is there only one version of Wanda using the Darkhold?
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there are two sorcerers tempted by the magic of the Darkhold: Wanda Maximoff of Earth-616 and Stephen Strange of Earth-838. The question arises: why is there only one version of Wanda willing to use and abuse the immense power that the Darkhold offers?
What sets apart Wanda of Earth-616 from all other versions of herself across the Marvel multiverse? While the Darkhold can bestow immense powers upon any sorcerer, why did no other variant of Wanda seek it out and utilize it?
Why doesn't the Illuminati consider Wanda the primary threat?
While it has thrilled many fans, the Illuminati also faced considerable backlash after appearing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Setting aside their easy defeat by Wanda, the decisions of this organization, one of Marvel Comics' most important groups, seem overly emotional and lack depth.
Upon encountering Earth-616's Strange, they immediately apprehended and sought to prosecute him simply because their version of Strange had once caused catastrophic havoc in another reality. Even when Strange claimed not to possess the Darkhold and warned about Scarlet Witch, they failed to reconsider the situation to make the most accurate decision.
Simply put, the most dangerous individual is the one who holds the Darkhold and uses it to disrupt the multiverse, not any specific individual. In this case, the entity they should be concerned about is Earth-616's Wanda, not Stephen Strange. Only Professor X decided to 'switch sides' at the last minute and put faith in Strange, but by then, it was too late!
What happened to Vision?
Wanda endured many losses in her superhero journey, losing her brother, her life partner, and both of her magically created children. However, the conclusion of WandaVision revealed that Vision was somewhat resurrected in a new form (White Vision), with memories of his previous version.
However, instead of easing Wanda's pain, he mysteriously disappeared and remains missing to this day. Even in the chaotic multiverse adventure of Strange and Wanda, Vision did not make an appearance on the big screen, not even for a second. What's worse, Wanda, knowing her life partner is still alive, doesn't seek him out but rather seeks to harness the power of America Chavez to be with her two children.
Why is Wong still the Sorcerer Supreme despite Strange's return?
When Stephen Strange was absent for five years after Thanos' snap, Wong assumed the title of Sorcerer Supreme, taking on the responsibility of protecting Earth and the universe. However, even though Strange has been resurrected, Wong continues to hold this position until the conclusion of Multiverse of Madness.
The criteria for becoming a Sorcerer Supreme are unclear, but it's evident that Wong continuing to assume Strange's role raises many questions among audiences worldwide. Ultimately, when it comes to the Sorcerer Supreme, they'll only think of one person - Stephen Strange.
Is the main timeline of the MCU Earth-616 or Earth-19999?
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness clearly indicates that the main timeline of the MCU is named Earth-616, while the timeline of the Illuminati is Earth-838. For decades, Earth-616 has been the designation for Earth in the Marvel comic universe, whereas events of the MCU were previously inspired by Earth-19999.
What triggered Strange's third eye?
In the film's climax, Doctor Strange had to temporarily harness power from the Darkhold to thwart Wanda's plan. Ultimately, Wanda realized her mistake and decided to destroy not just one, but all versions of the Darkhold across the Marvel multiverse.
So what enabled Strange to unlock his third eye on his forehead, and what powers will it bestow upon him? Previously, audiences witnessed Evil Strange, influenced by the Darkhold, undergo a transformation and gain new superpowers. However, now that the Darkhold has been destroyed, the origin of Strange's third eye becomes an unresolved mystery.
Why do variants of the same character have similar appearances?
Delving deeper into the multiverse theme, Marvel Studios grapples with the issue of consistency for its cinematic universe. In the Loki series, it's evident that variants of characters don't necessarily have the same appearance, or even the same gender. A prime example is in the blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home, where three Peter Parkers have entirely different appearances and stories.
However, in Multiverse of Madness, variants of Stephen Strange or Wanda Maximoff don't exhibit significant changes. So, what's the multiverse rule regarding this issue? It's something the MCU perhaps needs to explain more clearly before further exploring this theme in upcoming projects.
According to CBR
