Doctor Strange X-Men '97

Doctor Strange 2 will include the Animated Universe: Here’s why that’s important

The second trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse has been released and it did not disappoint. Despite the trailer being out for almost a week now, fans are still finding new clues in it, which could be a game changer for the MCU moving forward.

One such clue is the appearance of the animated universe in the trailer. In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene, Doctor Strange and America Chavez are seen briefly crossing over into an animated universe. Strange partially transforms into an animated version of himself as you can see below. Here is why that is important.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Animated Universe
Marvel Studios

Marvel’s What If…?

Marvel’s animated What If…? series on Disney Plus could end up being more important than anyone realised. The series introduced fans to characters like The Watcher and Captain Carter. With the latter almost certain to appear in Multiverse of Madness based on the shield that is visible in the poster for the movie. Only this time, it’ll be in live action. Finally giving Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter the opportunity to don the suit and shield.

The series also introduced fans to the concept of the Multiverse in a big way. Sure, it’s mentioned in the live action MCU but not to the extent seen in What If…?. With the Multiverse, inevitably there comes variants. Something that was extensively explored in the Loki series and again in What If…?

With the animated universe crossing over with the live action universe in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could we see characters like Infinity Ultron, Killmonger or even an evil Hank Pym in live action?

X-Men ’97

Back in 2021 Marvel announced that they would be bringing back the animated X-Men series from 1997 for Disney+. Not only that, but it’s been confirmed that the story will continue right where it left off giving dedicated fans a reason to celebrate.

The most interesting part about this is how the series could be linked to the Doctor Strange sequel. With confirmation that Professor X will make his MCU debut in Multiverse of Madness, fans have been wondering which variant will show up. We’re betting it will be the variant from the animated show, but in live action. Nicely tying together the old with the new. Something Kevin Feige is clearly a fan of based on Spider-man No Way Home.

Leaked artwork for the MOM shows Charles Xavier in a yellow hover chair. One that looks very similar to his chair from the animated X-Men series.

@gutter_hero

At this point it’s still just a theory but the timing of the X-Men series is definitely suspicious to say the least.

Spider-man into the Spiderverse

This one is the least likely but still a possibility. Yes, Sony own the rights to the character and movie however they have worked alongside Marvel Studios previously on mutually beneficial deals. Fans would never have gotten Spider-man in the MCU had this not been the case.

There is a small chance that Marvel could use this as an opportunity to introduce Miles Morales from the animated Universe to the MCU, even if it’s a very small cameo appearance. Anything is possible with the Multiverse.

As always, thanks for reading.

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