Well, Marvel just gave it all away. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, perhaps more than any other Marvel Studios movie, has led to endless speculation as to who may or may not show up. Hey, it’s the multiverse! Theoretically they could do anything. The most persistent rumor has been of the first appearance by the Illuminati, with fans believing it’s Patrick Stewart’s voice as Charles Xavier heard addressing Strange as he’s led into a room in handcuffs.
Well…it’s true. The Illuminati are outright confirmed in the latest TV spot.
“Strange, The Illuminati will see you now,” Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) says in the newly-released footage.
So there you have it. You were all correct and I’m the foolish one for believing Marvel would never give something so huge away.
That said, we don’t know who will comprise this Illuminati membership. In the comics, the group included Reed Richards, Tony Stark, Black Bolt of the Inhumans, Charles Xavier, Namor, and others. The group, as the name suggests, are a secretive cabal manipulating events from behind the scenes. It appears they will be in charge of managing the multiverse in the MCU version, so expect some significant changes.
For instance, I’m still unconvinced that Stewart is back as Xavier. If so, that would be our first real introduction of the X-Men, and the implications of that are gigantic. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Illuminati are major players in the second season of Loki, as well.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opens May 6th.
