Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will officially premiere on May 6 (with an early screening on May 4). Unlike the first part that premiered 6 years ago, this blockbuster will be closely related to a number of other MCU movie projects that, if ignored, we will have a hard time understanding all of the content. that Marvel wants to convey.
For hardcore fans of this cinematic universe, of course they understand very well what is happening, even what is about to happen with Doctor Strange. However, for the mass audience, who are not too “crazy” for Marvel, and also do not have time to plow back nearly 30 other blockbusters, here are the movies that you should watch to prepare the best. for the upcoming trip into the multiverse.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
In chronological order of release, this is probably the first movie you should see, or re-watch. Avengers: Age of Ultron will bring Wanda Maximoff, one of the main characters of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, to the big screen for the first time, while also explaining her background and the source of her powers.
In addition, a number of teasers and trailers show that Ultron’s drone variants will also appear in the upcoming blockbuster, acting as an army of the Illuminati. Therefore, it will not be superfluous if we know a little more information about the villain Ultron through this Avengers movie.
Doctor Strange (2016)
A name that is too obvious and must be on this list. Doctor Strange will help us get the most basic information about Stephen Strange, about the power that this superhero possesses, and the responsibility he carries on his shoulders. This was also the first movie to bring supernatural and magical elements into an MCU that was developing according to the sci-fi concept at the time.
Avengers: Infinity War
After having a little information about the two main characters, we meet them again in Avengers: Infinity War – one of the most successful blockbusters of Marvel Studios. In addition to the gathering of superheroes that Marvel Studios has worked hard to build for 10 years, this film also shows a clear progress in the power of Strange and Wanda.
As the Ultimate Wizard of Earth at the time of the infinity war broke out, Strange participated in the most intense and difficult battles, even confronting Thanos alone on the planet Titan. However, after all, he still suffered defeat and accepted to hand over the time stone to the mad Titan. Meanwhile, Wanda also had the opportunity to show off his strength when alone to stop the Thresher army (the giant cog wheels of Thanos) in Wakanda, saving Black Widow and Okoye in time.
Avengers: Endgame
The power of Strange and Wanda continues to be shown in the final battle of Avengers: Endgame. However, you can temporarily skip this part because the role of the mage – witch duo in this is quite small. The most important detail that we need to pay attention to is that Strange’s time stone was completely destroyed by Thanos. This is a treasure that has been used by the Sorcerers of the Highest for centuries to identify potential threats to reality, and provide the best solution.
WandaVision Series (especially episodes 8, 9)
Set after Endgame, WandaVision delves into Wanda’s pain and loss as the war with Thanos ended, especially after Vision’s death. The most important point is that this series rewrites the origin story of the sorceress, connects herself to the powerful magic – Chaos Magic, and officially transforms her into the Scarlet Witch.
However, this kind of magic seems to push Wanda down a path of sinful darkness, with oracles about her recorded in the book Darkhold. WandaVision ends with a scene where the sorceress is engrossed in studying this forbidden book and learning how to control magic from it.
In addition, she also heard the cry for help echoing throughout the space of her twin children who had never existed. This is a detail that makes fans guess that Wanda will become the villain in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, when she uses the multiverse to find her two children.
What if…? (especially episodes 1, 4, 8, 9)
What If…? is an animated series that explores the same events in the MCU, but unfolds in a different direction, with different results, in other universes.
In episode 1, we will get to know Captain Carter, who is Peggy Carter but injected with super soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers. The latest teaser of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has also confirmed that Captain Carter will appear in this blockbuster.
Episode 4 again shows us if Doctor Strange goes down the path of evil (Evil Strange), just how scary he will become. And this evil version will also appear in the upcoming movie, based on the trailers that Marvel Studios has released.
Episodes 8 and 9 of What If…? is the first multiverse war in the MCU, when Evil Strange and The Watcher gather superheroes from other realities to fight Ultron. They call themselves Guardians of the Multiverse. This could also be the first incarnation of the Illuminati – the secret organization that will be revealed in the upcoming blockbuster.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will take place right after Spider-Man: No Way Home. To help Peter Parker, Stephen cast a forbidden spell and accidentally caused mild multiverse disorder. Although he had overcome that situation, it was clear that he had committed a heinous crime and had to be punished. What the punishment for Strange is – that will be revealed in the upcoming movie.
In addition, to understand a little more about the concept of the multiverse, you can also watch the Loki series. The reason this series does not appear in the list above is because it is outside the multiverse, completely separate from the timelines in the MCU.
According to ScreenRant