Doctor Strange 2 Theory: Alternate Universe Superheroes That Can Appear

Several alternate universe superheroes in Marvel Comics could be incorporated into the MCU through Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Based on its title alone, it’s clear that Stephen Strange’s next big screen adventure will take him to different timelines and worlds in the multiverse. So far, none in particular have been confirmed to appear in the Phase 4 film.

Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange 2 will unite the Sorcerer Supreme (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) for a major MCU team-up that stands a chance at being Phase 4’s biggest movie. As Wanda may not be his only ally in the upcoming movie, other heroes could end up joining him, such as Tom Holland’s Peter Parker (who will be fighting alongside him in Spider-Man 3), America Chavez, Brother Voodoo and more. An important mystery character has been confirmed for Doctor Strange 2 as well.

It could be that whatever Strange is facing in the upcoming sequel will be such a powerful force that strong allies will be needed. In fact, this villain – whether it be Nightmare, Dormammu, or someone else entirely – could be so dangerous that heroes across the multiverse will have to fight by Strange’s side. Some of Marvel’s most interesting heroes are based in alternate universes, and given the settings of their stories, there isn’t an obvious place for them in the MCU. However, a battle of such proportions in Doctor Strange 2 provides Marvel with an excellent opportunity to properly bring these characters to life. By traveling across the multiverse, the Sorcerer Supreme could cross paths with a number of Marvel Comics superheroes who originate from worlds quite unlike the one that most audiences are familiar with. Here are some of the alternate universe characters that Strange and Scarlet Witch could meet.

Killraven

Sword-wielding adventurer Jonathan Raven a.k.a. Killraven was a superhero who starred in Marvel’s take on H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds in the 1970s. In the timeline where Killraven is from, the Martian invaders from The War of the Worlds successfully take over the Earth. Years later, a group of freedom fighters led by Killraven take on the Martians and try to drive them away. Through time and interdimensional travel, Marvel has allowed other heroes to meet Killraven, either by having them come to him or by sending him to the present. Over the years, the character has enjoyed team-ups with the Avengers, Spider-Man, and more. A Killraven movie was reportedly planned in the mid-2000s at a time when Marvel didn’t have the rights, but nothing ever came of it. To this day, he has never appeared in live-action, but that could change in 2022. One of the timelines that Strange visits could be a post-apocalyptic world ruled by aliens where people like Killraven are depended on to fight them off.

Nighthawk & the Squadron Supreme

Not every version of the Earth may be protected by the Avengers. In one timeline, the equivalent of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes could be the Squadron Supreme. In Marvel Comics, the Squadron Supreme were actually based not on the Avengers but on DC’s Justice League. Each of the main members is inspired in some way by one of DC’s biggest superheroes. The most notable members of the Squadron include Hyperion (Superman), Nighthawk (Batman), Whizzer (The Flash), Dr. Spectrum (Green Lantern), and Power Princess (Wonder Woman). One Squadron Supreme member, Nighthawk, is one of Doctor Strange’s friends in Marvel Comics. In the 1970s, Nighthawk was a mainstay of the Defenders, a group that was headquartered in Strange’s home, the Sanctum Sanctorum. By using the Squadron Supreme (and Nighthawk) in Doctor Strange 2, the MCU could come one step closer to building the classic Defenders, a team Marvel already has the building blocks for with Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Strange, and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson).

Vance Astro

A founding member of the New Warriors is Justice a.k.a. Vance Astrovik, a mutant with telekinesis, but in an alternate universe, his name is Vance Astro. A lifelong fan of Captain America since childhood, Vance dreamed of being like his idol and eventually started a career as an astronaut. After volunteering to go into space, Vance was sent to a distant planet in the galaxy to find a new home for Earth for when it became uninhabitable. The voyage took much longer than expended, and so when Vance awoke from the suspended animation unit on his ship, he discovered that a thousand years had passed. By this time, the Earth had already colonized the planet, meaning that his mission was for nothing. Later, Vance discovered that most of the superheroes from his past were killed in an alien invasion. After forming the Guardians of the Galaxy with other super-powered outcasts, Vance retrieved the fallen Captain America’s shield and began wearing a costume similar to his.

Since he was excluded from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’s original Guardians cameos, the door is open for a proper version of Vance Astro to be used in the MCU. Since James Gunn has no intention of putting him in Guardians of the Galaxy 3, he could appear in Doctor Strange 2 instead. As for how he would work in the MCU, Vance could be depicted as a post-apocalyptic, future Captain America.

Spider-Man 2099

Spider-Man is teaming up with Doctor Strange in Spider-Man 3, and it’s possible that the same will be true for Doctor Strange 2. If it is, the movie could introduce alternate universe versions of Spider-Man from Marvel Comics. One popular choice would be Miguel O’Hara, better known as Spider-Man 2099. Created in the 1990s, Miguel is a scientist inspired by Peter Parker’s legacy to become the new Spider-Man in a future filled with all sorts of advanced technology. Miguel has played key roles in a number of Spider-Man stories that encompass alternate timelines. His character and the world he would bring to the MCU would make for some interesting additions if it were to be explored in Doctor Strange 2.

Longshot

One of the strangest places Doctor Strange 2 could take the MCU in Phase 4 is Mojoworld, and for that reason it feels like a great fit for the film. The Mojoworld is a dimension ruled by a spineless alien called Mojo, who has used his power and authority to force most of the planet’s population into slavery. Like other members of his race, Mojo is fueled by his thirst for entertainment. To satisfy his desires, he makes people perform for him on TV. One of his slaves was a stunt expert called Longshot, a genetically-engineered man with four fingers and hollow bones. Known for his ability to create good luck, Longshot is the primary opponent for Mojo, and a hero who eventually joins the X-Men. Due to being associated with Marvel’s Merry Mutants, Longshot and Mojo were previously off-limits, but the Fox-Disney deal makes them a real possibility. A fun cameo for Longshot or Mojo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could further expand the MCU and create more storytelling opportunities for the future.