Why Marvel's 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' Falls Short of the Hype

With the release of four films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2021, fans are eagerly anticipating the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Following the blockbuster success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, many Marvel fans have speculated that this sequel will feature a multitude of cameos, including iconic characters such as Wolverine and Iron Man. However, it seems that the Doctor Strange sequel may not generate the same level of excitement as its predecessor.

The Release Timing: A Potential Critique

Multiverse of Madness comes out too soon after No Way Home. Despite its immense impact, Marvel should have given audiences a break from such epic spectacles. No Way Home was a monumental event, featuring multiple villains, beloved heroes, and a series of nostalgic appearances. Typically, Marvel would release one grand film followed by a smaller teaser film to provide a palate cleanser. For instance, Black Panther served as a teaser for Infinity War, and Captain Marvel laid the groundwork for Endgame. Putting two epic films back-to-back might seem like Marvel is milking their cinematic universe for too long.

Accompanying Cameos: Do They Enhance the Story?

One of the reasons why the Doctor Strange sequel might not live up to the hype is the inclusion of cameos. While cameos can generate excitement, adding characters that do not fit cohesively into Stephen Strange’s solo narrative may not enhance the storyline. In No Way Home, the cameos of the different Spider-Men were integral to the storyline, as they united the Spider-Men under one roof and created a thrilling climax. However, Stephen Strange’s personal connection with characters like Wolverine, Deadpool, or the Fantastic Four is minimal, making their presence feel less relevant to the main plot.

The Multiverse: A Return to Marvel's Greatest Hits?

However, there is a ray of hope for fans of the Multiverse. The Multiverse of Madness trailer has revealed that Professor Charles Xavier, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, will be in the film. This hints at the expansion of the Multiverse into the X-Men universe, a move that could greatly increase anticipation. In No Way Home, the Multiverse was explored extensively, bringing together iconoclastic villains and heroes from across different timelines. This experiment proved successful, and the Multiverse of Madness trailer suggests that Marvel is planning to revisit and expand upon this concept. The inclusion of other 20th Century Fox characters, such as the X-Men, would represent a significant step in the blending of universes and could genuinely enhance the storytelling.

Conclusion: A Mixed Reception

While the Doctor Strange sequel faces criticism for its release timing and the relevance of cameos, it also offers opportunities for expansion and narrative innovation. The potential for the Multiverse to bridge the gap between different franchises is an exciting prospect. Whether fans will be satisfied remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Multiverse of Madness promises to be a unique and potentially groundbreaking entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.