Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to open the multiverse storyline in a big way, but details of how it will do that are still being kept under wraps. Directed by Sam Raimi, the sequel will showcase the return of Benedict Cumberbatch's MCU sorcerer alongside Elizabeth Olsen's newly transformed Scarlet Witch, marking the first team-up adventure of the two iconic heroes.
Stephen Strange and Wanda Maximoff will not be the only heroes who will be featured in Multiverse of Madness since it was previously confirmed that America Chavez a.k.a. Miss America will make her MCU debut in the film as well. The multiverse-based character will be played by Xochitl Gomez, and her exact role remains a mystery.
It is currently unknown why Strange and Wanda will join forces, but a specific MacGuffin from WandaVision could be the main reason. In the Marvel series, the Book of the Damned a.k.a. the Darkhold was introduced to MCU lore and its post-credits scene revealed that Wanda is experimenting with this dangerous artifact.
Based on that reveal, fans initially pieced together the idea that Multiverse of Madness will deal with the consequences of Wanda's actions, but it seems that a new rumor may debunk part of that claim due to the rumored inclusion of another mysterious villain.
SHUMA GURATH AND AMERICA CHAVEZ'S ROLES REVEALED
The Illuminerdi shared exclusive details about the roles of Shuma Gurath and America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The outlet revealed that Shuma Gorath will serve as the “primary antagonist” of the Doctor Strange sequel, and the villain's arrival in the film is “directly connected” with Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez.
In the film, The Illuminerdi unveiled that Shuma Gorath will pursue Chavez because "he wants her powers to have complete control of the multiverse."
DOCTOR STRANGE'S MULTIVERSE AFFAIRS
From Nightmare to the Elder God Chthon, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has a long list of villains from the rumor mill, but this reveal suggests that Shuma Gorath tops that list.
In the pages of Marvel Comics, Shuma Gorath is described as one of the Lords of Chaos who ruled a wide array of dimensions including the Earth realm. The villain was banished from Earth by a time-traveling sorcerer known as Sise-Neg, but he eventually returned to wreak havoc and seek revenge on the realm that did him harm.
During the villain's revenge, Shuma Gorath used the Ancient One as a vessel for unlimited power. Based on this reveal, it seems that America Chavez will be his primary target in the film's storyline, but there's a chance that a twist will happen due to the events that already transpired in WandaVision.
The multiverse-hopping hero might serve as the initial vessel for Shuma Gorath, but the villain's attention could shift to Wanda Maximoff, especially after demonstrating her Chaos Magic during WandaVision. The Scarlet Witch's meddling with the Darkhold could be another reason, and this could seemingly become the beacon for Shuma Gorath's attack on Earth and the vast multiverse.
Connecting the dots, it's likely that Wanda and Strange will set out to protect Chavez from Shuma Gorath during the first parts of Multiverse of Madness. After the initial battles, Shuma Gorath will then possess Wanda due to her insane power levels, thus leading to a powerful clash with Benedict Cumberbatch's Marvel hero.
Ultimately, this essentially creates an emotional confrontation between Wanda and Strange in Multiverse of Madness, with the rest of the multiverse hanging in the balance.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to hit theaters on March 25, 2022.
