Charlize Theron Addresses Clea’s MCU Future After Doctor Strange 2 Cameo

Charlize Theron vaguely touches on her potential return as Clea in the MCU following her brief cameo in the post-credits scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Sam Raimi’s sequel to Steven Strange’s first MCU outing saw the sorcerer face off against Wanda Maximoff, seduced by the evil of the Darkhold and embracing her identity as the Scarlett Witch. Still the MCU’s most in-depth exploration of the multiverse so far, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness not only presented a battle between two of the franchise’s most powerful characters but also began to suggest just how broad the opportunities could be for introducing new heroes to the big-screen through multiversal travel.

Most prominently featured in the sequel were elongated cameos for members of the MCUs Earth 838 Illuminati, comprised of Captain Carter, Captain Marvel, Black Bolt, Professor X, and Mr. Fantastic. Though not only did Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness establish this new band of variants in the franchise but it went a step further in adding an extra cameo for Theron’s Clea in the film’s post-credits scene. If the MCU’s source material is anything to go by, then Clea’s introduction will have significant implications for Doctor Strange’s future. Clea’s connection to previous Strange nemesis Dormammu and a potential romance plot between the two sorcerers, suggest an exciting continuation of Steven’s story may be in store for fans.

Despite these possibilities, Theron remains very vague when speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live about her potential MCU return. Both hinting at Marvel’s insistence not to give clear contract or story plans to actors, and her own current lack of knowledge concerning Clea’s character, Theron stays tight-lipped about what could be coming next for Doctor Strange.

I hope [the cameo]’s not it, but we’ll see, yes… I think I know, I mean unless, I’m sure they can change their mind, depending on what I say on this show! [Laughs]

Marvel Embracing Shorter Contracts Has Changed MCU Phase 4 Cameos

Theron’s comments emphasize the fact that the MCU has drastically changed its approach to cameos during Phase 4. Where once cameo characters were being introduced and immediately signed on for 4 plus films at a time, clearly being set up for specific future installments, fresh introductions throughout Phase 4 have been somewhat less focused on the future and more set on the immediate. Although stars like Harry Styles and Brett Goldstein have appeared as substantial characters Eros and Hercules, with Kevin Feige verbally confirming they will return, contractual specifics for these future appearances are far less obvious than, for example, Chris Hemsworth’s initial five film contract as Thor.

In terms of the effect this has illustrated thus far in Phase 4, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’s introduction of the Illuminati to only kill them off in the following scene could likely suggest one of two things: firstly, Marvel is perhaps testing the waters and gauging the reactions fans have for potential new heroes and cast members before fully committing to their recurring appearances. Or secondly, and somewhat a greater cause for concern, the meticulous and measured build-up displayed from Phases 1 to 3 has been dropped for a greater indulgence in the idea that the multiverse can freely explore and ret-con future storylines without serious or permanent implications on these characters. Introducing a fan-favorite character like Mr. Fantastic, played by John Krasinski, who was known to be an immensely popular fan casting, to then brutally kill him moments later was, although quite shocking, a worrying illustration that the MCU is becoming even looser with the stakes placed against its heroes. Reliance on the multiverse and variant cameos could seriously backfire. However, with the potential storylines available from the comics, it is still highly unlikely that characters like Clea will be wasted.