Small Details You Missed In The Second Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness Trailer
The second trailer for "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" arrived just ahead of the 2022 Super Bowl, and holy Sorcerer Supreme, it was totally epic. The latest trailer sees Doctor Strange haunted by the events of his past while also grappling with a strange dream (which includes a vision of Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez at the mercy of a monster) and the lasting effects of his reality-warping in "Spider-Man: No Way Home." As a new threat emerges — one that may involve another Doctor Strange we've already met — it is up to Strange and his allies to find a way to put his own world back together again.
"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" will not only see Benedict Cumberbatch reprise his role as the powerful superhero but will also see the return of Wong (Benedict Wong) and Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), as well as Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams). Elizabeth Olsen will also join forces with Doctor Strange as Wanda Maximoff, debuting the next phase in Scarlet Witch's powers as she aids her fellow Supreme Being and guides him in the ways of the multiverse.
Amidst all of the madness, there is a handful of small but oh-so-intriguing details that tease just how complex and far-reaching Doctor Strange's next adventure in the MCU will be. Keep reading to learn more about the details that caught our eye and will keep us theorizing until the sequel's debut on May 6.
The What If...? connections are getting clearer
At about the 40-second mark in the trailer, you can a bleak, faded-out shot of New York City buildings dissolving into nothingness, implying that Dr. Strange has somehow caused a rift that will unravel reality. This isn't the first time we've seen Dr. Strange's bad behavior lead to this civilization-ending type of disruption. If you saw the fourth episode of the animated series "What If...?" you may recognize that effect.
In that episode, "What If...Dr. Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands," Dr. Strange's girlfriend Christine is in the car with him when he has the accident that, in the original movie, damaged his hands. Dr. Strange becomes a Master of the Mystic Arts and uses the Eye of Agamotto to manipulate time. He uses it to try and save her — only to find, in a series of heartbreaking vignettes, that this just isn't possible. In desperately trying to find a way to save her, he becomes split into two versions — one evil, and one good. They fight and create a paradox that begins to tear reality apart.
The dissolving effect in "What If..." looks darker and inkier than what's happening in "Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness," but the dissolving of reality has a similar feel to it, and the callback appears to result from the same type of misdeed on Dr. Strange's part — we'll just have to wait to find out what that is.
Are these robots connected to Ultron or the Illuminati?
One of the most explosive sequences in the new "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" trailer depicts the titular sorcerer being led down a corridor in handcuffs, to a massive room where several prominent figures — their faces currently unrevealed — are seated. While little is confirmed in the trailer, it has long been rumored (per Inverse) that the movie will introduce a multiverse-flavored version of the Illuminati, a shady group that, in the comics, is comprised of such major heroes as Doctor Strange, Reed Richards, Tony Stark, Namor, and Charles Xavier whenever they want to plan some shady happenings. If the trailer is any indication — and if the Illuminati rumors prove true — then it seems that the army of Ultron robots leading Strange are their personal guards and soldiers.
As for who will comprise the MCU Illuminati? There have long been rumors of alternate universe versions of characters seen in prior Marvel projects and this would be the place where they would most likely show up. The Illuminati could include, for instance, an alternate universe version of Tony Stark (though that seems unlikely) or Reed Richards (John Krasinski, perhaps?), as well as Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Perhaps the most mind-blowing inclusion, though, would be Charles Xavier — which makes it all the more intriguing that during this scene of the trailer, there is a moment where we appear to hear the voice of Patrick Stewart, the actor who previously brought the X-Men leader to life in the Fox films.
Will the mysterious Illuminati (or Charles Xaver) appear in the film, or are these Ultron guards just spinning us in the wrong direction? For now, fans are eagerly awaiting more information.
Rintrah the Minotaur is joining the MCU
"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" looks like it will bring more characters from Marvel's vast library into the MCU. The latest trailer features a cameo from Rintrah, an alien creature that was inspired by the minotaurs of Greek mythology (via Marvel Database). Originating from the extradimensional planet known R'Vaal, Rintrah is an intelligent being who possesses supreme strength, as well as sorcerer abilities such as magic and shapeshifting. The original Rintrah is green, however, so it's clear that Sam Raimi and co. have taken some creative liberties with his appearance.
Rintrah has been an ally to Strange in the comics in the past. At one point he even served as his apprentice, though he eventually made the leap to becoming a full-fledged sorcerer in his own right. The minotaur is also known for his association with Enitharmon the Weaver, a powerful and reclusive magician who resides in an alternate dimension. If Rintrah is in the hotly anticipated sequel, then it's very possible that his old mentor will make an appearance as well.
"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" arrives in theaters on May 6.