Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Debunks Major Loki Theory

By Richard Nebens Posted:
Doctor Strange 2, loki

Marvel Studios is currently riding the wave of excitement coming courtesy of the promo tour for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The movie's second full trailer came before the start of Super Bowl LVI, instantly breaking the internet in the process. With this movie tackling stories from multiple properties, including WandaVision and Loki from Disney+, the sequel could be something massive in the MCU's legacy.

Both of the movie's two full trailers have provided plenty of Easter eggs and opportunities for fans to predict what's coming, particularly regarding ties to other entries in Phase 4.

Although the headliner right now is Patrick Stewart's likely comeback as Professor X, the second trailer also provided a tease for how Doctor Strange 2 follows up on Wanda Maximoff's solo story. This came with a look at two different Wandas in her Westview home from WandaVision, confirming that the Hex-based reality will be seen once again on the big screen.

Wanda's journey was also thought to have her encountering the Time Variance Authority from Loki on Disney+, a popular theory that formed due to a mysterious shot in the movie's first trailer from December. However, thanks to new footage adding to this scene, that theory has now seemingly been proven false.

New Trailer Debunks Loki TVA Theory

In the first full trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Marvel showed a shot of Wanda Maximoff using her magic in front of a glowing yellow opening:

Wanda Magic, Doctor Strange 2
Marvel Studios

Viewers were quick to point out that this golden opening looked similar to the portals that the Time Variance Authority's Minutemen use to travel through time and space in Loki. Below is the one that Loki opened to escape from the TVA and chase after Sophia Di Martino's Sylvie at the end of Episode 2:

Loki Portal, Loki
Marvel Studios

The second trailer for Doctor Strange 2 showed where Wanda actually is during this fight scene. Elizabeth Olsen is wearing the same white top as she is in the first picture, but she's actually fighting in the halls of the Illuminati's headquarters, which are on fire.

This fire is giving off the golden glow that was thought to be emanating from the TVA portal:

Wanda Magic, Doctor Strange 2
Marvel Studios

This scene features Wanda's fight against a variant of Captain Marvel, who radiates golden energy from her body as she flies through the air:

https://images.thedirect.com/media/photos/tva-portal-4.jpg
Marvel Studios

For reference, a shot of the Illuminati's halls is provided, showing the building when its not on fire:

Doctor Strange 2, Illuminati Room
Marvel Studios

 

No Loki in Doctor Strange 2...Yet

Following the six-episode Disney+ run for Loki, Tom Hiddleston was reported to be reprising his role as the God of Mischief in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Anticipation built for that reported cast addition when fans saw what was thought to be a TVA portal in the first trailer, although that doesn't appear to be the case thanks to new evidence.

Even though this Loki-centric theory was proven to be false, there is still plenty of thrilling action that fans will see in this particular scene.

Wanda will have the chance to unleash some of her incredible power throughout the story, including in this fight against a variant of one of the MCU's most powerful heroines. Whether it be a version of Maria Rambeau or Carol Danvers, the two women will cause some real damage to the Illuminati's headquarters as they resolve the issues of their fight.

As for Loki, it seems to be only a matter of time until Hiddleston's MCU veteran makes his presence felt alongside his fellow master magicians.

It's unclear how big Hiddleston's role in the story will be, although he's rumored to have Owen Wilson's Mobius by his side, along with Sylvie. These appearances will only add to just how wild this sequel already is, which will continue to be the case as its release date draws closer.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will debut in theaters on May 6, 2022. All six episodes of Loki are 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.