Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues Phase Four with the instant classic Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which highlights the story arcs of the fan-favorites Stephen Strange and the Scarlet Witch. It also introduces viewers to the likable America Chavez, who has quickly formed an important connection with the sorcerer.
Other noteworthy relationships in the movie have deeper roots in both Marvel comics and previous films, with past interactions between characters like Doctor Strange and Mordo affecting the events in the multiverse. There are even relationships that reference Disney+ shows like WandaVision, and, of course, romances between characters like Stephen and Christine. The best among them significantly impact the well-written storylines in the movie and could have bigger implications for the future of the MCU.
Doctor Strange & Karl Mordo
One of the most important characters from Doctor Strange is Karl Mordo, who is largely responsible for helping Stephen gain access to Kamar-Taj and to the Ancient One’s teachings. As Doctor Strange recounts in the sequel, though, things soon go awry after Mordo becomes disillusioned thanks to the Ancient One’s use of the Dark Dimension’s power. He has since “snapped and dedicated his life trying to kill” Stephen.
This is why Doctor Strange can’t be blamed for being hesitant when they first lock eyes on Earth-838, and his suspicions are soon proven to be right. Stephen uses the old wounds between them to bait Mordo into hand-to-hand combat, which frees him of his restraints. All Doctor Strange had to do was taunt Mordo for being jealous and for vying for the title of Sorcerer Supreme by handing his 838 variant the Darkhold. Thanks to his quick thinking, Stephen is able to recognize that Mordo hates him in this universe, too.
Doctor Strange & The Illuminati
Most of the cameos in Doctor Strange 2 are shown when the protagonist meets the Illuminati in Earth-838. The intimidating group is made up of Mordo Supreme, Black Bolt, Captain Marvel, Captain Carter, Reed Richards, and Professor Charles Xavier. They immediately have a negative perception of Stephen, commenting how 616’s “Strange is even more arrogant than” theirs was. It’s soon revealed that they have a good reason to be wary of the sorcerer, as in their experience, “the greatest danger to the Multiverse” is Doctor Strange.
In their eyes, Earth-616’s Doctor Strange could be as reckless and dangerous as 838’s, who had “triggered an incursion” and caused everyone in another universe to die. This complicates Stephen’s attempts at warning them about the Scarlet Witch, who they don’t recognize as a threat until it’s too late. There’s a good chance Doctor Strange could’ve proven them wrong given more time, but the gruesome slaughter that followed soon after their meeting ensured that relationship would never be mended.
Scarlet Witch & Her Kids
A large part of the reason the Scarlet Witch becomes a powerful villain is Wanda’s desire to be with her children again, Billy and Tommy. Fans who remember the events in WandaVision may recall how she manipulates an entire town – Westview – to create her perfect life with Vision and their children, Billy and Tommy. While Billy and Tommy’s actual existence is debatable since they were conjured through magic, the relationship they have with their mother is very real.
It’s this strong familial bond that makes it easy for Wanda to fall victim to the Darkhold, eventually turning into the Scarlet Witch. At one point in the film, she tells Wong that thanks to the infinite realities out there, she can be with her children forever. Her love for her kids may have been corrupted by the Darkhold, but there’s no denying that she genuinely cares for them – in fact, that’s the only reason she manages to snap out of her murderous rampage.
Doctor Strange & Wong
If there’s one person Doctor Strange has been able to count on through the highs and lows of his journey, it’s Wong. Wong’s loyalty and bravery are undoubtedly a source of inspiration for the sorcerer, not to mention the ex-librarian’s rich wealth of knowledge about the mystic arts. He has excelled in his role as the Sorcerer Supreme during Stephen’s absence, and while some may expect that to be a source of contention between the two, they’re able to make jokes about the situation thanks to their close friendship.
In Doctor Strange 2, viewers may remember how one of Stephen’s immediate concerns after hurtling through several universes is Wong’s safety back in Earth-616. There’s also that poignant exchange they have towards the end of the film where Wong implies that their bond helps him “remain grateful” in their universe, despite their unique tribulations.
Christine Palmer & Doctor Strange
Of course, one of the most important relationships highlighted in Doctor Strange 2 is the romantic connection between Stephen and Christine. Audiences can’t be blamed for thinking they had seen the last of her after Stephen attends her wedding in Earth-616, but it’s Earth-838’s Christine that truly put an end to any chance they could be together in any universe. Sinister Strange says this himself when he admits that he couldn’t find a reality where they have a happily ever after, which is a fact that angers him so much he ends up killing every Stephen he finds in the multiverse.
Doctor Strange and 838’s Christine are able to end things on good terms, though, with the multiversal researcher repeating a line said by her 616 version about how it can never work because Stephen always has to be the one “holding the knife.” It’s a satisfying conclusion that also happens to signal the start of a new love interest for the sorcerer thanks to the introduction of Clea.
Doctor Strange & Scarlet Witch
The action-packed and often brutal sequences in the sequel are in large part thanks to the epic clash between Doctor Strange and the Scarlet Witch’s magical abilities. The two powerful sorcerers find themselves going against each other when Stephen realizes that the Wanda he once knew and respected has been irreversibly influenced by the Darkhold. It’s fascinating to see how fast their relationship declines throughout the film, as there are moments at the start where Doctor Strange even jokes about getting her back on the lunchbox with the Avengers.
Their bond eventually becomes nothing more than an obstacle to the Scarlet Witch who will stop at nothing to be with her kids, which isn’t something Doctor Strange can allow. Their rivalry that turns into a cat-and-mouse chase is at the heart of the film, making every scene involving them an exciting one.
America Chavez & Doctor Strange
The newest alliance introduced in Doctor Strange 2 is also its most significant one, with the protagonist and America making up a formidable duo that can have a multiversal impact on the future of the MCU. Although their friendship starts on shaky ground, America eventually learns to trust Earth-616’s Doctor Strange, even to the point where she’s willing to sacrifice herself to keep the multiverse safe. For his part, Stephen proves that he’s not like his “other other” variants by doing the one thing they couldn’t – he trusts America and encourages her to believe in herself.
They would have never reached that point had they not traversed several realities together, learning more about the multiverse and each other in the process. Fans are likely eagerly waiting to see what the future has in store for the pair, especially considering how much stronger America could potentially become after her training in Kamar-Taj.
