Avengers: Infinity War Might Solve Doctor Strange 2’s Villain Mystery

By Russ Milheim Posted:
Doctor Strange, Avengers Infinity War, Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may not have reached the same intense fervor that the conversation surrounding Spider-Man: No Way Home did, but nonetheless, there’s plenty to discuss and theorize. After all, this is the Multiverse. The film will bring back Benedict Cumberbatch’s Strange, Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff, and Benedict Wong’s Sorcerer Supreme in order to confront the sickness ailing reality itself.

The trailers have provided tons of interesting tidbits to fans. For one, it looks like Scarlet Witch isn’t having the best of times. The same goes for Strange, or at least a Variant of his, who ends up getting zombified. Of course, there’s also the shocking return of Patrick Stewart, who was last seen as Professor X in Logan.

Joining the party in this outing is Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez. Rumors indicate that she’ll be initially from another universe, and her powers to travel between realities could be the crux of the conflict.

But how does she get to the MCU in the first place? That’s not known, but it could happen right around the same point she’s trapped by some mysterious creature, as seen in the latest full trailer.

But what is it? Well, Avengers: Infinity War might hold the answer to that question.

Solving the Strange Villain Identity

In the most recent trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Xochitl Gomez can be seen struggling against a mysterious and terrifying creature.

But if one looks closely at it, the answer to its identity could be in plain sight.

Doctor Strange, America Chavez, Multiverse of Madness
Marvel Studios

Jumping back to Avengers: Infinity War, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange uses an iconic weapon to keep Thanos from closing his fist: the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak.

Doctor Strange, Thanos, Josh Brolin, Titan, Avengers, Infinity War
Marvel Studios

Given the visual similarities, could the mysterious creature actually be Cyttorak himself?

In the comics, he is a deity with near-endless magical might. Sometimes he’s referred to as a god, other times a demon. Despite his significant strength, Cyttorak hasn’t gotten as much time in the spotlight as one might think. It’s the objects he imbues with power that get the limelight.

Many likely know the name thanks to his infamous Crimson Gem, which was famous for creating the iconic X-Men villain, Juggernaut.

The Villain of Doctor Strange Revealed?

The big question now is, assuming this theory to be true, will Cyttorak be the main villain? Is he the source responsible for bringing madness into the Multiverse?

It’s entirely possible. However, given the scope and patterns of the film, it’s nearly impossible to know for sure. After all, this could be a quick cameo as our heroes jump through universes or even a summon cast out from the Darkhold.

If he’s not the villain, then who is? There are lots of signs pointing to the answer being none other than the Scarlet Witch. After all, there are plenty of teases toward that possibility—this past trailer gets awfully close to confirming it as well.

All of those answers fans are dying to have will be here when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters on May 6, 2022.

- About The Author: Russ Milheim
Russ Milheim is the Industry Relations Coordinator at The Direct. On top of utilizing his expertise on the many corners of today’s entertainment to cover the latest news and theories, he establishes and maintains communication and relations between the outlet and the many studio and talent representatives.