From the moment both WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness were announced, fan theories and speculation flooded the internet about what events would bring the two powerful Marvel characters together. Both Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange and Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff have appeared in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, but are yet to have an interaction, which led fans to believe that the events of WandaVision would bring the characters together.
Doctor Strange was one of the most highly theorized cameos throughout the runtime of WandaVision, as fans tried to determine how the limited series would fulfill the promise of connecting to Wanda’s appearance in the Doctor Strange sequel. Fans were disappointed as Cumberbatch was noticeably absent from the entire series, and after the finale fans are still left with questions as to the role Wanda will play in the upcoming film, with the Multiverse of Madness requiring a rewrite due to the decision to keep Strange out of the series.
However, as revealed by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, WandaVision originally featured the appearance of the MCU’s Sorcerer Supreme. This appearance was scrapped by Feige, who explained that Cumberbatch’s appearance would undermine Wanda and it was best for the show to scrap the character’s appearance.
“Some people might say, ‘Oh, it would’ve been so cool to see Dr. Strange,’” says Feige. “But it would have taken away from Wanda, which is what we didn’t want to do. We didn’t want the end of the show to be commoditized to go to the next movie — here’s the white guy, ‘Let me show you how power works.’”
– Kevin Feige (via Rolling Stone)
Dr Strange’s Role Revealed
WandaVision head writer Jac Schaeffer also revealed how Doctor Strange would have fit into the plot, with the Sorcerer Supreme’s role being linked to the ongoing commercials throughout the sitcom based drama. The commercials stood out as one of the most intriguing parts of the series, with each one holding some significance in Wanda’s life. There were many theories as to what the commercials meant, however the reasoning behind their inclusion remained a mystery.
It has now been revealed that Doctor Strange was originally the creator of these commercials, using them in an attempt to reach Wanda. Cumberbatch and Marvel Studios had even come to a deal for the actor to appear in the series finale, with the appearance potentially coming in one of the commercials. However, as we all know this did not come to pass, and the inclusion and reasoning behind the commercials has yet to be explained.
This does not rule out the possibility of Marvel revisiting the concept. The idea that the Sorcerer Supreme used the commercials to reach Wanda could be explored when the two characters are properly introduced to one another. Marvel will be looking for a way to bring the two characters together naturally, and the events of Westview will surely play a part in the characters colliding (as WandaVision has already been confirmed to tie directly into the film).
While many speculated that the film would see the two powerful sorcerers come to blows, the ending of WandaVision and this new information suggests that Wanda may reach out to the MCU’s Sorcerer Supreme for help finding her children Tommy and Billy. No matter what brings these two characters together, the film will need to address why Doctor Strange did not appear in the series to help bring down the Hex.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to release in theatres March 25, 2022 and stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Rachel McAdams and Chiwetel Ejiofor. WandaVision is currently streaming on Disney+.
