The Mysterious Absence of Karl Mordo in Avengers: Infinity War

In the 2018 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War, Karl Mordo, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, does not make an appearance. His last documented appearance in the MCU was in Doctor Strange (2016), where he was initially portrayed as a former ally to Doctor Strange. However, Mordo experienced a significant turn, ultimately becoming disillusioned with the Ancient Ones' actions and the use of magic, leading him to opposes Strange.

As of the latest updates, there has been no official confirmation regarding Mordo's whereabouts or his involvement in the events of Infinity War or subsequent MCU films. This leaves his character's fate unresolved, opening the door for future appearances and plot developments.

Karl Mordo: The Self-Appointed Destroyer of Wizardry

After the events of Doctor Strange (2016), Karl Mordo has become a self-appointed 'destroyer of wizardry.' His character's evolution is marked by his quest to absorb the powers of other sorcerors, highlighting a darker and more rebellious side that has emerged since his initial portrayal in the MCU.

More specifically, Mordo's journey is characterized by a quest to rid the world of wizardry by absorbing the powers of other sorcerors. However, this quest was interrupted by the "Snap" orchestrated by Thanos. The exact fate of Mordo, whether he was "snapped" or not, remains unclear. Stephen Strange's dialogue with America Chavez in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (2022) suggests that Mordo had previously sought to destroy Strange, which might imply that there have been 'off-camera' confrontations that could be explained in the upcoming film.

Given his role as previous Sorcerer Supreme, it is likely that Mordo's hostility extends to Wong, another Sorcerer Supreme in the MCU, who may be on his radar for the same reasons.

What's Next for Mordo?

There is hope for fans of Mordo to finally get a definitive answer to his current status and role in the MCU. The second post-credits scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home is a teaser for the upcoming film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The teaser clearly shows Chiwetel Ejiofor reprising his role as Mordo, setting him up as at least a secondary antagonist for the film.

The teaser trailer hints at Mordo's potential for wreaking havoc by usurping the powers of other sorcerors, much like his actions in the epilogue of Doctor Strange (2016). In the MCU timeline, we can reasonably assume that Mordo was still in the process of absorbing the magic from other sorcerors, given that his story in the post-credits scene of No Way Home suggests he was 'off ripping the magic.' Alternatively, it's possible that Mordo was recruited by Dormammu, a being from the Dark Dimension, to stand against the sorcerers, much like the comic book version of Baron Mordo.

The development of Mordo's character in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is highly anticipated, as it will likely shed more light on his motivations and his place in the larger MCU landscape.

In conclusion, the absence of Karl Mordo in Avengers: Infinity War leaves fans with questions and intrigue. The upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness promises to answer some of these questions while exploring the complex and intriguing character of Mordo.