Marvel Confirms What We All Suspected About Clea's MCU Powers

By Richard Nebens Posted:
Clea, Charlize Theron, Doctor Strange 2

Marvel Studios confirmed one important fact about Clea's powers that many fans suspected following her introduction in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Charlize Theron made her surprise debut in the MCU by playing Clea in Doctor Strange 2's post-credits scene, bringing Doctor Strange's most notable love interest from the comics into live-action.

And while concept art teased her using some dark magic based on her ties to Dormammu from Marvel Comics, most of her powerset hasn't been explored in the MCU yet due to her limited screen time.

Marvel Confirms Fact About Clea's Powers

The official Marvel Studios Character Encyclopedia Updated Edition book confirmed something about Clea's powers from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that many fans suspected was true. 

Clea, Doctor Strange 2
Marvel Studios

The page highlighting Charlize Theron's Clea confirmed she already has the power to travel the Multiverse, with her diagram pointing out her "lightweight armor for Multiverse travel."

Clea, Doctor Strange 2
Marvel Studios

Multiversal travel isn't traditionally an ability that Clea holds in Marvel Comics.

Clea's powers from the graphic page include superhuman durability, flight, and sorcery (which she learned from training with Doctor Strange).

Some of her most notable sorcery-based powers are energy bolts, shields, teleportation, transmutation, telekinesis, and even varying levels of necromancy (control over the dead).

The post-credits scene featuring Clea sees her coming up behind Strange and drawing a huge blade that she uses "to cut a tear in reality," giving him a look into another dimension (which fans have speculated is the Dark Dimension from the first Doctor Strange):

"A glowing blade appears in Clea’s hand, and she uses it to cut a tear in reality. Another dimension is visible beyond the portal she rips open.

Clea faces the portal she opened and waits for Doctor Strange to join her. Strange magically suits up, changing into his mystic robes and donning the Cloak of Levitation."

Clea, Doctor Strange 2
Marvel Studios

After rumors teased Clea's inclusion in this film for years before her arrival, Theron celebrated her casting in the role with a quick message to her fans, saying, "Cat's out of the bag" on social media shortly after Doctor Strange 2's debut.

When Will Clea Return to the MCU?

With no official word on who will be brought back in the two upcoming Avengers movies, many are expecting to see Charlize Theron reprise her role as Clea in Doctor Strange 3 should the film officially get the green light.

Theron already teased there may be more to her run as the character in the future, teasing in October 2022 that she may "have some work to do" and that she's putting in the time to learn more about the character.

However, when discussing her future with the role in May 2023, Theron admitted that she hadn't gotten a call about returning to the MCU since her debut movie.

And with Doctor Strange 3 unlikely to debut until after the Multiverse Saga ends, pending any major changes behind the scenes, fans could be waiting for Theron for quite some time.

Regardless of when she shows up next, Clea will certainly be a crucial player moving forward as one of a few individuals who can freely traverse the Multiverse. Characters like her and America Chavez will likely be vital in allowing other heroes to catch up to Kang, or whichever villain is set to head the Multiverse Saga following Jonathan Majors' firing.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now streaming on Disney+.

- About The Author: Richard Nebens
Richard Nebens joined The Direct in March 2020, now serving as the site's Senior Writer and also working as an assistant editor and content creator. He started his journalism career as a hobby in 2019 and is passionate about sharing news and stories from the entertainment industry, especially comic book movies, comedy, and sci-fi. Richard looks to expand his knowledge about movies and TV every day, and he is eager to stay locked into the latest releases and breaking news at every opportunity.