Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ends with Wanda’s sacrifice, Strange’s third eye, and new characters setting up future MCU stories.
Released in May 2022, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness dives deep into the multiverse. Directed by Sam Raimi, this film is a key piece in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Let’s break down the ending and what it means for the future.
Wanda’s Redemption
Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, plays a huge role in this movie. She wants to reunite with her children from another universe. This desire drives her to do some pretty dark things. But in the end, she realizes the harm she’s causing. America Chavez, a multiverse traveler, shows Wanda how her children see her as a monster. This moment hits Wanda hard. She decides to destroy the Darkhold temple and all its copies across the multiverse. This act stops anyone from using the Darkhold’s dark magic again. Wanda seems to die as she brings down the temple, sacrificing herself to fix her mistakes. This moment is both dejected and powerful, showing her redemption (Screen Rant).
Doctor Strange’s Third Eye
In the final moments, Doctor Strange walks down a New York street. Suddenly, he collapses and screams in pain. A third eye appears on his forehead. This eye is a result of using the Darkhold to dream-walk into a dead version of himself from another universe. The third eye symbolizes the corruption from using dark magic. It reminds us of Mordo’s warning from the first Doctor Strange movie. This eye hints at the challenges Strange will face in the future (Screen Rant).
Mid-Credits Scene: Clea
The mid-credits scene introduces Clea, played by Charlize Theron. She is a sorceress from the Dark Dimension. Clea tells Strange that his actions have caused an incursion. An incursion is a catastrophic event where two universes collide. She invites Strange to help fix it. This sets up potential future stories involving the Dark Dimension and more multiverse adventures (Entertainment Weekly).
Post-Credits Scene: Pizza Poppa
The post-credits scene is a fun one. It features Bruce Campbell as a pizza vendor named Pizza Poppa. Earlier in the film, Strange curses him to punch himself repeatedly. The scene shows the curse finally wearing off. Campbell then breaks the fourth wall and tells the audience the movie is over. This light-hearted moment adds a bit of humor to the intense film (Entertainment Weekly).
Multiverse and Incursions
The concept of incursions is crucial for the MCU’s future. Incursions happen when meddling with the multiverse causes two universes to collide. This can lead to their destruction. This idea opens the door for many storylines. One possible storyline is Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars, where multiverse incursions play a enormous role (Den of Geek).
Wanda’s Fate
Wanda’s fate seems sealed with her sacrificial act. But her status as a powerful magic user leaves room for her return. The Darkhold’s corruption could explain her actions, allowing for a redemption arc. Vision’s possible return, hinted at in WandaVision, could further explore Wanda’s story (CNET).
Doctor Strange’s Future
Doctor Strange’s third eye and his alliance with Clea suggest a darker path ahead. The third eye shows his struggle with the consequences of using dark magic. His partnership with Clea hints at future adventures in the Dark Dimension. This aligns with the MCU’s trend of exploring darker themes, as seen in recent projects like Moon Knight and Loki (TechRadar).
Themes of Power and Sacrifice
A key theme in the movie is the consequences of wielding immense power. Both Strange and Wanda face dire repercussions for their actions. Strange’s use of the Darkhold leads to his corruption, symbolized by the third eye. Wanda’s quest for her children results in widespread destruction and her eventual downfall. This theme explores the moral elaborateities of power and responsibility (Screen Rant).
Wanda’s arc is a poignant exploration of redemption and sacrifice. Her realization of the harm she has caused and her decision to destroy the Darkhold highlight her desire to make amends. This narrative mirrors her journey in WandaVision, where she grapples with grief and loss. Wanda’s story emphasizes the MCU’s focus on character-driven storytelling (Cinemablend).
Conclusion
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a significant entry in the MCU. It expands the multiverse concept and sets up future storylines. The film’s ending, with its introduction of Clea, the concept of incursions, and the implications of Strange’s third eye, promises exciting developments for the franchise. Wanda’s arc, marked by redemption and sacrifice, adds emotional depth to the narrative. The film explores the consequences of power and the need for redemption. As the MCU continues to evolve, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stands as a testament to its commitment to innovative storytelling and character development.
