As Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness attempts to secure a director in Spider-Man veteran Sam Raimi, it’s the perfect time to speculate the endless possibilities the multiverse brings to the table. In addition to alternate versions of our favorite characters already in the MCU, there are off-world heroes and villains that should make the jump to the cinematic universe in the Doctor Strange sequel.
Even if it’s just small appearances, Marvel Studios as a chance to provide some fan-fare that they would otherwise not be able to do. Let’s list off ten characters that should make their MCU debut in the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel.
Tobey Maguire/Spider-Man
If Sami Raimi does indeed end up at the helm, Tobey Maguire reprising his iconic role as Peter Parker isn’t as far fetched as previously thought. Even if it’s just a brief cameo, seeing his Spider-Man still active in an alternate universe would be a historic moment for comic book films.
Of course, there would be no need to extend his role further than a short appearance, but the confirmation Maguire is still Spider-Man someone out there is good enough.
Old Man Logan
With Wolverine under Feige’s control after the Disney-Fox acquisition, it’s only a matter of time that mutant makes his MCU at some point. That being said, it would be ideal if they could find a way to seamlessly honor Hugh Jackson’s immense impact on the character. Showing Old Man Logan from another Earth would be the perfect manner to do so by having Jackman reprise the role in a limited capacity. Since his version is dead, they could pull directly from the Old Man Logan comic series have his scene take place on the post-apocalyptic Earth.
It would be a significant gesture to have Jackman’s final appearance of the character in the MCU, making the transition to a new actor more digestible for audiences.
Maestro
Speaking of exceedingly old heroes, the alternate version of the Incredible Hulk known as Maestro is one of the coolest variations of the Avenger. Reigning from Earth-9200, Maestro is the best of both worlds, possessing the intellect of Bruce Banner and the strength of multiple Hulks. Except he’s sort of a crazed murderer, having killed the Avengers and countless other heroes on his planet.
If they want to spice things up, they can attempt to bring back former Hulk actors such as Eric Bana or Edward Norton for a cameo.
Deadpool
Deadpool is surely already on his way into the MCU but it’s unclear how that’ll work narratively, so why not just have his debut in the Doctor Strange sequel. Marvel has an opportunity to seamlessly explain how the foul-mouthed antihero makes it into the primary universe while his previous films still are canon.
In addition to Deadpool, other characters in his films such as Domino or Cable can also make the leap easily without having to explain too much. If time travel was implemented heavily in Deadpool 2, being able to travel across the multiverse isn’t a stretch at all.
Miles Morales
Although his presence in the MCU was confirmed by Spider-Man: Homecoming, Miles Morales could be shown already in his superhero career as a web-slinger in an alternate “Ultimate” universe. The uber-popular character has become a staple in Marvel Comics in recent memory, especially after the resounding success of 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. It would make for a great way to introduce audiences to the idea of the multiverse with a character people already know and love.
Out of all of the characters on this list, Morales is one that suits the MCU the most and could legitimately move over to Earth-616 when everything is said and done. Even if it’s only for a limited appearance, a cameo by him would be enough to satisfy the appetites of fans across the multiverse.
America Chavez
As a superhero who originally comes from an alternate dimension, America Chavez perfectly fits the bill for a Doctor Strange 2 appearance. She originates from Utopian Parallel, a reality outside of space and time, but travels through the multiverse until landing on Earth 616. Adopting the superhero name Miss America, Chavez fights crime with super abilities that rival the powers of several Avengers members.
She’s also a major step forward for the comics giant in terms of representation as Marvel’s first Latin-American LGBTQ character to star in an ongoing series. If Feige and co. are serious about diversity for Phase 4, then introducing America Chavez a brilliant and natural way to do so.
Captain Britain
Avengers: Endgame already laid the groundwork for Captain Britain’s introduction to the MCU, however, they have a great opportunity to instead have him be a functioning hero from a separate universe. In addition to making sure the timeline of events works out, this allows for a relatively unknown character to gain recognition without having to do major narrative shifts in the MCU.
Since it’s unlikely we’ll get a solo film from him any time soon, they have a chance to get a major actor (such as Henry Cavill) for a limited appearance without having to sign him up for a franchise.
The Beyonders
If the MCU ever wants to adapt the famous Secret Wars storyline, introducing the Beyonders early on Phase 4 is the way to go. For the uninitiated, they are an inter-dimensional alien race that traverses the multiverse and encounters various Earths, causing the massive crossover event that included dozens of major heroes and villains. It would be a neat way to tease a potential storyline down the line that would rival what Avengers: Endgame accomplished last year.
An important factor is that they’re relatively unknown to most Marvel fans, so including them wouldn’t take away any spotlight from other possible appearances from more popular characters.
Hyperion
Marvel’s version of Superman is ripe for the big screen treatment and they have a chance to introduce him in Doctor Strange 2. Although Hyperion does originate from Earth 616 as a villain in the comics, the most well-known versions of the hero come from alternate parts of the multiverse. One off-world iteration is a founder of the superhero team known as Squadron Supreme which, you guessed it, is their version of DC’s Justice League.
Similar to Captain Britain, there is no need to set up a full-fledged franchise with him, but it would be worthwhile to have him appear in the MCU even if it’s a limited appearance.
Marvel Zombies
As perhaps the most random choice on this list, bringing Marvel Zombies to the MCU would just be a lot of fun for everyone. Introducing undead versions of heroes/villains people know and love would be both disturbing and entertaining. The idea that the Marvel Universe could be overtaken by a zombie virus is intriguing in itself, and inserting it into Doctor Strange 2 is probably the easiest way to do so.
If Sam Raimi infuses his horror roots as he did with his Spider-Man trilogy, adding a dose of Zombies would certainly assist in that.
