Doctor Doom could be coming to the MCU in mystery Marvel Comics character will be appearing in the Doctor Strange sequel. The only clues that Feige gave to his or her identity is that it’s someone Marvel has always wanted to use, and that audiences won’t be expecting their debut.
It’s a broad description, but it does at least narrow it down some by eliminating from contention some of Doctor Strange 2’s rumored characters. America Chavez, Brother Voodoo, and Clea – who are all reportedly in the movie – may be present, but they don’t seem to be the subject of Feige’s comments. America Chavez is far too new for Marvel to have cultivated a long-term interest in bringing to the MCU. Brother Voodoo and Clea, on the other hand, were likely additions to begin with, so neither of them would have been a big surprise. Instead, the guest character sounds like it will be a big-name Marvel hero or villain who isn’t a part of Doctor Strange’s world.
Plenty of strong candidates exist for this role. Namor the Sub-Mariner is high on the list of most-requested MCU characters, plus he has a long-standing relationship with the Sorcerer Supreme in the comics. Then there’s Kang the Conqueror, who feels like he could become the MCU’s next big villain after Thanos. Another option is Doctor Doom, the archenemy of the Fantastic Four. Since Disney has finally gotten back the rights to Marvel’s First Family, it’s now possible for Marvel to make use of the iconic villain. Here’s why Doom would make perfect sense for Doctor Strange 2’s mystery character.
Doom’s Obsession With Magic In Marvel Comics Explained
Victor von Doom has a reputation for being one of the brightest minds in Marvel Comics and when he comes to the MCU, he should definitely rival Doctor Strange. When it comes to Marvel’s greatest scientists, he’s in the same category as Mr. Fantastic, Iron Man, and Hank Pym. What sets him apart from these characters is that Doom doesn’t just invest his time and energy into science. He also has a bit of an obsession with the mystical arts. It all started with the death of his mother, who had practiced sorcery. When she died, her soul was imprisoned by Mephisto. Knowing what had happened to her, Doom studied magic intensely in the hopes that he would learn of a way to free her soul from Mephisto’s grasp. With help from Strange, Doom eventually succeeded in his quest.
Doom’s acquisition of magical powers has led him into numerous battles with other sorcerers, including Doctor Strange, Brother Voodoo, Loki, and Morgan le Fay. He was also involved in two major storylines that revolved around Scarlet Witch. Doom, who had secretly manipulated Wanda, was partially responsible for her reality-warping powers and chaos magic going awry in “Avengers Disassembled”. Later, Doom discovered a way to use Wanda’s powers for his own purposes and had to be stopped by the combined efforts of the Avengers.
Doom Could Be A Secret Villain In Doctor Strange 2
There’s an expectation that Marvel will want to use Doom as a villain in its Fantastic Four reboot in Phase 5, but it’s not necessary for him to be kept in reserve. After all, Doom is too important to be a one-and-done villain. Doom is a character deserving of multiple appearances in the MCU outside of the Fantastic Four franchise. Like his comic book counterpart, Doom is a character dangerous – and ambitious – enough to challenge heroes from all corners of the MCU. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness can introduce him, and set him up for future roles in more Marvel movies.
As for what Doom’s goal could be in Doctor Strange 2 and what role he might fill, one reason why he might get himself involved in the action is the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), who will be appearing alongside Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) in some capacity. Similar to what the comic book version of Doom wanted, he may have an interest in Wanda’s powers. Doom may recognize her potential and determine that her reality-warping abilities could be used to change the world to suit his plans. If so, Doom could paint a target on Wanda’s back and have her pursued by his minions.
Alternatively, Doom could be responsible for the main plot of Doctor Strange 2. Strange’s adventure in the multiverse may be the result of another sorcerer’s tampering with magic, other dimensions, or alternate timelines. It wouldn’t be the first time Strange has had to clean up a mess created by another character’s lack of understanding of magic. Doom, as knowledgeable as he is about science, isn’t exactly a master magician in the comics. Though highly skilled, he has caused problems in the past by weaving spells that he can’t properly control. Could that be how the Multiverse opens?
Doom could end up in a fight with Strange by the end of the movie, or Marvel may opt to take a different route. Not unlike what Marvel did with Thanos in Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel may reveal Doom’s involvement in Doctor Strange 2’s story but could avoid putting him in direct conflict with the main characters.
What Doom's Future In The MCU Could Be
Introducing Doctor Doom in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could have major repercussions for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Aside from setting up Fantastic Four, Doom's early introduction would be a strong sign that Marvel does indeed intend to make him a character whose importance to the MCU goes beyond the Fantastic Four. Furthermore, exploring the mystical side of the character would mean that Marvel isn’t holding back in making him a force to be reckoned with.
Being a villain who excels at both science and the mystical arts has a lot to with why he’s considered to be so powerful. It’s also why he fits so neatly into so many different stories, whether it’s a comic that leans into the realm of science fiction or the world of fantasy. The same could easily apply to the MCU’s Doom, especially if this is the path they plan to put him on. Marvel could utilize him as a recurring MCU villain who could pop into nearly any movie they choose, pulling the strings behind multiple disasters and events. Depending on how Marvel handles his portrayal - regardless of whether that's in Doctor Strange 2 or not - Doom could have a long and prosperous arc in the MCU where he causes a great deal of trouble for heroes like Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, and the Fantastic Four for years to come.