Fans may be divided on Multiverse of Madness, but there was no shortage of shock value in Marvel’s latest blockbuster. What does that mean for the ill-fated [SPOILER]? Step inside as we explore the possible ramifications.

With the passing of famed comic creator George Perez, it was only fitting to see a hint of his work make its way into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

I refer to the most shocking moment in the film when Scarlet Witch, her powers amplified by the Darkhold, stormed the gates of the Illuminati’s citadel.

The methods she used to maim and murder the Illuminati were quite similar to what Perez drew in 1991’s Infinity Gauntlet #4.

Wanda removing Black Bolt’s mouth? Thanos used the Infinity Gauntlet to pull that trick on his brother, Eros/Starfox, just without the exploding head.

Turning Mister Fantastic into ribbon? He used a similar tactic on Wolverine, changing his adamantium bones to rubber.

Captain America’s alternate, Captain Carter, making a final stand echoed Perez’s timeless work.

As touching a tribute that is to Perez and his legendary career, most fans were taken so far aback by Wanda Maximoff’s murderous rampage that they weren’t comparing it to Thanos. No question, it was a moment to behold and accented her capabilities, but the real question is, why?

After so much hype for the Illuminati joining the MCU, why would Marvel kill them in such a quick fashion? Let’s explore the possibilities.

JUST VARIANTS

Don’t forget that the Illuminati we met in MOM existed in a parallel dimension, Earth-838. In that world, Doctor Strange followed Scarlet Witch’s trajectory, using the Darkhold himself. The evil spells caused him to become the world’s greatest threat; the Illuminati was forced to kill him to protect the world. That left the Earth-838 Mordo to become the Sorcerer Supreme and join the Illuminati. He took his seat beside variants of Captain Carter, Mister Fantastic, Black Bolt, Professor X, and Maria Rambeau’s Captain Marvel. When they tried their hands at Scarlet Witch, things didn’t go to plan.

Since these were clearly Earth-838 variants, that means they are all still alive elsewhere in the Multiverse. Although it could lead to some confusion among casual viewers, seeing the same characters appear in other franchises is nothing new to hardcore Marvel fans. Ever since Loki, variants have become commonplace, and most audience members wouldn’t bat an eye if any of those same actors reappeared in the MCU under the guise of Multiversal variants.

STRANGE LEADS A NEW ILLUMINATI ON EARTH-616

The concept of the Illuminati could still find its way into the MCU’s Earth-616. Since the events took place on the Earth-838, it leaves the door open for another, improved version of the council to find its way into the MCU. Doctor Strange could be inspired by the Earth-838 Illuminati and create his own council. Don’t forget that he learned about incursions and Earths colliding in the Multiverse, and he may feel inclined to form a team tasked with avoiding that threat. In the end, it could be a live-action version of the Guardians of the Multiverse, who would deal with dangers posed to the entire Multiverse.

SO MANY LOOPHOLES

The Multiverse makes all things possible. It’s also a convenient plot device to keep any changes from being permanent. While the Illuminati may have been wiped off the Earth-838 and Scarlet Witch seemingly destroyed herself with the Darkhold, between the Multiverse, variants, and time travel, there is no such thing as true death in the MCU. My guess is most if not all the MOM deaths will be undone in the near future.

Want more MoM spec?

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