Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stirred up a cocktail of excitement and criticism in 2022, leaving fans divided over the creative choices made by director Sam Raimi. While the film thrived at the box office, pulling in nearly a billion dollars globally, it wasn’t exactly free from controversy. Many viewers voiced strong opinions on how the film’s ending—and various plot points—could have been re-imagined for a more impactful narrative, especially considering its complex dive into the multiverse. In this guide, I’ll explore some alternative takes on how Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness might have wrapped up and provide a few fan-suggested plot twists that could’ve changed the game.
For Marvel fans, an alternate ending could have meant more alignment with Strange’s character development, perhaps saving Wanda’s arc from its dark spiral or introducing new dynamics within the multiverse. After all, when exploring infinite realities, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into the fan theories, missed opportunities, and what might have worked better for this polarizing Marvel hit.
1. Did Doctor Strange 2 Go Darker Than Expected?
From the outset, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness set itself apart from previous MCU titles with its horror-inspired tone. Some fans celebrated Raimi’s unique approach, while others found it unsettling, particularly in the portrayal of Wanda Maximoff as an antihero. Despite her struggle to reunite with her children, fans on platforms like Reddit argued that her descent felt rushed and out of character.
“Wanda’s character had more potential for redemption. Her shift was understandable but harsh,” one fan noted, adding that her story might’ve resonated better with a gentler arc.
But if Wanda’s arc wasn’t for everyone, Doctor Strange’s third eye moment—a sinister nod to the Darkhold’s influence—was equally divisive. This ending sequence certainly left fans eager for a sequel, but could the story have been better wrapped up with a less grim approach?
2. What If Wanda’s Redemption Was Explored?
Wanda’s storyline received the lion’s share of critique, with fans debating how the film might have better addressed her trauma from WandaVision. Some suggest an ending where Wanda achieves peace or redeems herself could’ve allowed for a more balanced narrative.
Adding some much-needed redemption, she might have joined Doctor Strange in battling her darker instincts. Imagine if Wanda, guided by Strange, realized the depth of her actions and made amends rather than facing a tragic end. In fact, this scenario wouldn’t be so far-fetched considering Marvel’s traditional path of growth and redemption. As a popular theory on Screen Rant posits, Marvel could’ve expanded her storyline to a redemption arc, hinting at a future filled with hope rather than despair.
3. A Deeper Dive into the Multiverse: Missed Connections?
The multiverse as a concept opens infinite doors, yet fans were left wondering why so few were explored. Doctor Strange’s encounter with alternative versions of himself, such as “Sinister Strange,” offered an eerie but brief glimpse into what the multiverse truly holds. Some viewers hoped for a bit more exploration, with nods to other MCU characters or even non-MCU franchises in cameos that would resonate more widely.
“The multiverse didn’t feel as vast as it could’ve. Imagine exploring more timelines—one where the Avengers lost, or where Tony Stark never became Iron Man. Now that would be epic!” quipped one enthusiastic fan.
This “multiverse tour” could’ve provided Strange with insight into both the consequences of his power and the resilience of alternate realities, showcasing the interconnected yet chaotic nature of the multiverse.
4. Doctor Strange’s Third Eye: A Good or Bad Sign?
When Strange walks away from his battle only to reveal a third eye—a side effect of Darkhold magic—fans weren’t sure whether to be excited or worried. This subtle yet ominous conclusion left the door open for more multiverse madness in future sequels, but it might have been more effective if the film left viewers with a more concrete understanding of his fate.
With Strange’s third eye symbolizing his brush with forbidden knowledge, an alternate ending might have shown him contemplating the burden that comes with wielding such power. Perhaps an inner conflict, a decision on whether to embrace or reject the Darkhold’s influence, would have added depth to his character. The eye could still make an appearance but as a symbol of wisdom rather than corruption, giving him a mysterious yet heroic future path.
The Verdict on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Ending: Did It Work?
With a complex storyline, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness certainly made its mark. However, as fans debated on social media, there was a clear appetite for an ending that did more to honor character arcs, offer more multiverse exploration, and delve deeper into the moral dilemmas posed by immense power.
From an ironic twist of fate to epic alternate-reality cameos, the film had countless roads it could have traveled. While we may never know what the alternative endings might have looked like, the film’s mixed reception keeps the conversation alive, inviting Marvel to consider how it might better wrap up the next big adventure through the multiverse.
Whether you loved it or felt let down, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness continues to inspire fan discussions, theories, and imaginative “what if” scenarios that keep us hooked on the mystery of the multiverse.
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