Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: Behind the Scenes of Scarlet Witch's Illuminati Battle

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Marvel fans witnessed one of the most intense battles in the MCU when Scarlet Witch took on the Illuminati of Earth-838. But did you know that some of those epic scenes were filmed in the real-world location of the British Museum? With the help of subtle CGI, the filmmakers transformed the space into the perfect headquarters for the Illuminati. Let’s dive into how these locations and effects brought the story to life.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Behind the Scenes of Scarlet Witch's Illuminati Batte (1) — Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Behind the Scenes of Scarlet Witch’s Illuminati Batte (1)

One of the standout scenes from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is when Wanda Maximoff, corrupted by the Darkhold, faces the Illuminati. Thanks to photographer Thomas Duke, who runs the Instagram account “steppingthroughfilm,” we get an exclusive look at the real-life locations that inspired these visually stunning moments. Duke captured images of the British Museum where several Illuminati HQ scenes were shot.

Duke shared, “These actors weren’t actually together when filming. With the magic of editing, it’s amazing to see how it all came together on screen.” When you think about it, that’s a pretty common technique in today’s blockbusters, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when filming had to adapt.

Bu gönderiyi Instagram'da gör

Thomas Duke (@steppingthroughfilm)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi

How CGI Transformed the British Museum

Marvel’s creative team used CGI to alter the museum’s iconic structure slightly. A new room was added with a glass entrance and a few statues that weren’t part of the original architecture. Duke’s photos capture how the British Museum’s grandeur seamlessly fits into the film’s sleek, high-tech vibe. And if you thought the entire Illuminati headquarters was CGI, these images will trick your mind into seeing the beauty of practical filmmaking.

You can check out Duke’s post here and compare the actual museum with the onscreen version for yourself!

Why Marvel’s Special Effects Make the Difference

I’ve always been fascinated by how Marvel balances practical effects and CGI. While many people focus on green screens, movies like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness show that real locations still play a huge role in crafting a believable world. It’s that blend of reality and fantasy that makes the MCU feel grounded yet otherworldly.

Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Scarlet Witch, revealed that she hadn’t met John Krasinski (Mister Fantastic) during the filming of the Illuminati battle. “It’s funny how things get put together post-production. We’re all just filming in our separate spaces, but it’s so seamless in the end,” Olsen mentioned during a press interview. Knowing this, it’s even more impressive to see how fluid the battle looks when all the actors are supposed to be interacting.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Behind the Scenes of Scarlet Witch's Illuminati Batte (3) — Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Behind the Scenes of Scarlet Witch’s Illuminati Batte (3)

Marvel’s Use of Real Locations for Immersive Storytelling

Movies, especially those in the MCU, use real-world settings to enhance their storytelling. The British Museum was the ideal choice to represent the elegance and history of the Illuminati, and the sharp contrast between its beauty and the brutal massacre by Scarlet Witch was striking.

The idea of blending reality with fiction is not new in Hollywood, but Marvel has mastered it. By using a place as familiar as the British Museum, they add an extra layer of immersion for audiences, even if it goes unnoticed at first glance. Check out this popular blog on how CGI enhances real locations for more on how filmmakers combine digital effects with the real world.

The Art of Merging the Real and the Fictional

Scarlet Witch’s showdown with the Illuminati stands out not just for its action but for its creative use of real-world locations. Marvel movies aren’t all about CGI-heavy sets—sometimes, the most iconic battle scenes are filmed in places like the British Museum. As you rewatch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into blending practical effects with digital magic.

By focusing on practical locations like this, Marvel continues to set the standard for superhero movies, ensuring they feel as grounded as they are spectacular.