Warning: Major SPOILERS Ahead For Multiverse Of Madness!
It becomes quite clear that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opens up the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the various parallel universes that may be explored in the franchise’s near future, also introducing the idea of “incursions,” events in which two alternate realities collide, often ending in the destruction of one or both of these universes.
The mid-credits scene of the film revealed Charlize Theron’s sorceress Clea, who tells Doctor Strange that he has caused an incursion, implying that the multiverse is not as safe as the sorcerer had once hoped. There are a number of alternate realities that may act as the second reality in the incursion, which may have rippling effects on the MCU moving forward.
Earth-838
Earth-838 proved to be a vitally important element in Multiverse of Madness. Doctor Strange and America Chavez find themselves stranded on this world for a period of time during their multiversal excursions. This universe was home to the Illuminati that captured Strange and America, thereby perhaps giving Doctor Strange ideas for his own Illuminati.
Given that this is the universe in which Strange spent most of his time whilst traveling through the multiverse, it would make the most sense for Earth-838 to be the first universe with which the MCU collides. However, with most of this world’s most powerful heroes dead after the events of Multiverse of Madness, such an incursion might prove to be less interesting than other possibilities.
The Raimi-Verse (Earth-96283)
Earth-96283 is the designation given to the universe in which Sam Raimi’s three Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire take place. Given the involvement of Sam Raimi in both franchises, Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man was among the many cameos fans wanted in Multiverse of Madness but didn’t get.
Having this universe collide with the MCU might prove tricky from a behind-the-scenes standpoint, given that Sony would have to sign off on any appearances from Spider-Man characters, and potentially agree to the very destruction of one of their most beloved worlds. Nevertheless, such an incursion would give audiences a chance to see Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man one more time, even if it proves to be the last.
Animated X-Men Universe (Earth-92131)
The beloved cartoon X-Men: The Animated Series is assigned the designation of Earth-92131, where all five seasons of the show take place. This is also assumed to be the setting of the forthcoming revival, X-Men ’97, which will premiere on Disney+ in 2023.
The MCU has surprisingly been hinting toward some kind of crossover with the animated series, both in the announcement of its revival and in referencing its main musical theme during a scene in Multiverse of Madness. However, given that only one universe ever survives an incursion, X-Men ’97 will likely be spared such a collision.
Captain Carter’s Universe (Earth-82111)
The first episode of Marvel’s What If…? explored what the MCU might have looked like had Peggy Carter received the super-soldier serum rather than Steve Rogers, becoming Captain Carter. This story takes place on Earth-82111, an offshoot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which has been designated Earth-199999, despite an easter egg in Multiverse of Madness labeling the universe Earth-616).
The producers of What If…? have been quite vocal about wishing to see Captain Carter join the MCU in live-action. While this wish was fulfilled in Multiverse of Madness, the superheroine also met a gruesome end shortly thereafter. If a more permanent adaptation of the animated character is to take place, the best way to do so would be through an incursion that could leave Captain Carter stranded in the MCU proper.
Big Hero 6 Universe (Earth-14123)
Many fans may find it easy to forget that the hit animated film Big Hero 6 was based on Marvel Comics characters since the film was created by Walt Disney Animation rather than Marvel Studios. Because it is technically a Marvel property, this film also has a place in the Marvel Multiverse, being labeled as Earth-14123.
Big Hero 6 was a rousing success for Disney upon its release, but, other than a forthcoming Disney+ spinoff, it would appear that work on the franchise, including any potential sequels, has largely stalled. Finding a way to incorporate Hiro, Baymax, and their squad into the MCU could be the perfect way to revitalize Disney’s franchise.
The Fan4stic Universe (Earth-TRN554)
The 2015 reboot of the Fantastic Four starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell as the titular team was universally despised upon its release, quickly scrapping any plans for any sequels. The film’s universe has not been specified by Marvel and has therefore been given a “temporary reality number” (TRN): Earth-TRN554.
Though this rebooted Fantastic Four was largely hated by audiences, Marvel is known for embracing and improving upon its mistakes, especially evidenced by Anson Mount’s return as Black Bolt in Multiverse of Madness. With Marvel’s First Family on their way to the MCU, it might be interesting to introduce the homeworld of this alternate version of the Fantastic Four, perhaps as a juxtaposition to the new-and-improved cinematic version of the team.
The Venomverse (Earth-TRN688)
Sony has spent the last several years attempting to set up its own universe revolving around Spider-Man-adjacent characters, beginning with Venom in 2018, and since extending to Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Morbius. This universe has been given a temporary reality number, Earth-TRN688, though many have speculated that these films actually take place on Earth-120703, the universes in which Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man films take place.
With the recent crossover of Spider-Man characters between universes in No Way Home and Morbius, the Venomverse and Marvel Cinematic Universe have already demonstrated a willingness to work together on cinematic endeavors. It may prove in both franchises’ best interest to completely integrate their properties, perhaps bringing Venom, Morbius, and the other Venomverse characters over to the MCU for good.
The Defenders Universe (Unknown Designation)
Multiverse of Madness opens with a scene depicting America Chavez fleeing a demon with the help of an alternate-reality Doctor Strange, labeled Defender Strange by the film’s marketing. This variant is the only identified inhabitant of his universe, which is currently undesignated given its relatively new nature as a known universe.
Defender Strange may not have been the bravest version of Doctor Strange ever put to screen, but his presence in the film could be a hint at things to come. Little has been seen of his universe, which could be home to several other alternate Avengers, who could make interesting opponents for the MCU’s heroes should an incursion lead to a Secret Wars event.
The Spider-Verse (Earth-TRN700)
While Sony has struggled to pull together its Venomverse, they have found far better luck in the animated realm, specifically with 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the first major Marvel film to delve so heavily into the concept of the multiverse. The reality in which the film’s protagonist, Miles Morales, lives has been identified as Earth-TRN700.
The Spider-Verse franchise is quickly proving to be one of the most popular Marvel properties outside of the MCU, making the likelihood of a crossover all the more likely. This could also prove to be the avenue for the long-awaited debut of Miles Morales in the MCU.
Fox’s X-Men (Earth-1005/14523)
Fox’s X-Men franchise is the longest-running Marvel franchise outside of the MCU itself. The series boasts 13 films including spinoffs and prequels, running from 2000 until 2020. This universe has been designated as Earth-1005, though the time-altering events of Days of Future Past resulted in a branching timeline, Earth-14523, in which the events of all subsequent films, with the exception of Logan and The New Mutants, take place.
Multiverse of Madness was long expected to be the moment where the MCU introduced mutants on a large scale to its franchise. Given that this was not the case, it would appear that the mutants’ best chance of joining the franchise is through a major incursion event featuring Fox’s characters. Should the two worlds collide, it would give Marvel Studios the chance to bring over several beloved versions of the X-Men while also being able to recast certain others, making for a perfect reboot of the longstanding franchise.
