Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness could very well be introducing the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s iteration of the Illuminati! The comic book team has been around for over a decade now, but its roster has been relatively small considering both the secrecy and the importance of the group.
These members are amongst the most important in the team and could be making an appearance in some capacity in the film, whether it’s the familiar version of the character or perhaps a Variant from the Multiverse. Some of these heroes haven’t even been introduced on the big screen yet but are so vital for the source material cabal.
Namor
There are plenty of fantastic comics to read based on Namor that demonstrate his commitment to his people and complex ideology. His role on the Illuminati mirrored his earlier team-up with the influential Invaders and signified that Earth viewed Atlantis as a significant region in the Marvel Universe.
Stark, unbending, and vitally intelligent, Namor has consistently been a huge member of the group as his interests continue to warp the decision-making process. He served on Norman Osborn’s Cabal as well, demonstrating that he is an ally to no one, but is hellbent on having the voice of the Atlantean’s heard. His introduction into the MCU would be a game-changer for this reason.
Professor X
Professor Xavier boasts a level of intellect and wisdom that’s rarely been matched amongst Earth’s heroes. The character also represents the interests of Mutantkind, who he has helped to prosper and grow throughout his lifetime. He is now one of the most powerful men alive with the creation of Krakoa.
His ability to read minds, while usually not used on members of the group, is important for gaining intel that can be trusted by the Illuminati. The character appears to be taking on a leadership role within the MCU’s iteration of the group and there’s precedent for that in the comics.
Iron Man
Iron Man is a futurist and an innovator. He’s served on the Avengers and has created a masterful strategy that once saw him as the lead defender of Earth’s security systems. Stark might be arrogant, but he has the resources and money to back up the moves of the Illuminati.
Rich and powerful, Tony Stark represents big business and the interests of the mightiest of heroes, even if his ideology may differ from the likes of Captain America, as evidenced by the Superhuman Registration Act. A Multiverse Variant of Iron Man could be a part of the MCU’s team, lending both his wealth and his technological assets to the group.
Captain America
The Illuminati has a lot of controlling voices. It can be corrupted and morphed into something that doesn’t best represent the people it’s trying to serve. There’s only one person alive that will always be able to hold on to their beliefs, protect the innocent and see the truth for what it is. Steve Rogers.
Captain America was brought into the group to be a voice of reason and calm. His role is irreplaceable as his wisdom doesn’t come from the technology of Tony Stark, the science of a Reed Richards, or the Mutant power of a Charles Xavier. His form of intelligence is down to his common sense and lived experiences. He’s remained grounded throughout his career and the MCU could bring in an older version of the character to handle that role.
Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom is an incredibly complicated character who has taken on various forms. A master of both science and magic, Doom has all the answers and a whole nation to back him up. He is a king in his own right and wishes to be recognized as such.
He has briefly formed part of the Illuminati but more importantly, he was one of the most significant members of the Cabal in the Dark Reign. He isn’t purely evil and is capable of acting rationally to meet his motivations. A Doom Variant would be thrilling to see alongside the other heroes of the MCU Illuminati.
Mister Fantastic
Reed Richards is one of the smartest minds on the planet and the leader of the Fantastic Four. He has had a long history within the context of the Marvel Universe and was one of the brains behind the 50 State Initiative which would come to reshape so much.
The character’s scientific capabilities and quest to see a better tomorrow put him in a significant position within the Illuminati. He bonded well with allies like Tony Stark but has an ego of his own to contend with. The MCU could take a well-known Mister Fantastic from the past and bring him into this iteration of the Illuminati.
Black Panther
King T’Challa has a major role to play in the Illuminati considering he controls one of the most prosperous nations on Earth and is the major supplier of Vibranium which could significantly change the trajectory of the planet. He is calm, fair, and completely reasonable while boasting no ego; a refreshing change for the team.
His relationship with the others of the group is strained because of their lack of control over the character, who can not be easily bent or manipulated. The Marvel Cinematic Universe would benefit from a version of Black Panther on their Illuminati who holds these very same traits.
Doctor Strange
Fans will know that the Illuminati deals with every kind of threat and that includes the supernatural. As the Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange is one of the leading thinkers in this field and has the magical capabilities to guide the group against the rising dark forces.
Strange has been known to back himself a little too often and takes risks he can’t afford. His decision-making can be changed based on the magic he’s tapping into, making him a somewhat unreliable member. The MCU is playing around with the notion of Strange Variants and one is surely on the group.
Black Bolt
The Inhumans are another major people within the Marvel Universe much like the Mutants, and they have only grown in size and influence in recent years. Black Bolt is their king and boasts incredible abilities that could defeat man and God alike. His silence is deafening in moments of supreme tension.
He is another leader whose harshness is matched by his fairness. His inability to speak has allowed Medusa into the group to communicate on his behalf, another incredibly powerful Inhuman who is just as worthy of the position. With the Inhumans already existing on-screen, there’s a likelihood that a familiar Black Bolt could make his mark in the Illuminati.
Captain Britain
The Captain Britain Corps is a group that operates throughout the whole Multiverse, facing down threats in their respective realities. Their mythology is entrenched in Arthurian legend and each Captain Britain on Earth holds a great deal of influence within the mystical regions.
Captain Britain joins the team in a future variation of the Illuminati, but any version of the character could rightfully lay claim to being a part of the team. With the Braddocks teased by Peggy Carter in the MCU, there may be a version of the hero ready to suit up in the Illuminati.
