MCU Theory: Defender Strange Is From Raimi’s Spider-Man Universe

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will introduce Defender Strange by way of the multiverse, and he could come from Sam Raimi's own Spider-Man universe. The long-awaited Doctor Strange sequel has taken a very different form than many expected. This is partially due to Sam Raimi stepping aboard as the director following Scott Derrickson's exit and the Marvel Cinematic Universe's continued interest in the multiverse. It is now possible that the introduction of multiple versions of Doctor Strange could even lead to a connection to Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, led by Tobey Maguire.

From the very beginning of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' marketing campaign, it became clear that the movie would feature Benedict Cumberbatch as multiverse variants of the MCU's main Doctor Strange. There are so far two variants confirmed, including Sinister Strange—an evil variant, but not the same one featured in Marvel's What If...?. The second is only known as Defender Strange, who appears to be the MCU's homage to the sorcerer's time as a member of the Defenders superteam in the comics. There are also theories about a Zombie Strange or an even more villainous version of the character, but little is known beyond brief glimpses in the trailer.

Since Doctor Strange 2 is expected to freely explore the multiverse and visit many different universes, it is assumed that the worlds of these variants will be featured one way or another. The trailers have explicitly shown the haunting and abandoned world that Sinister Strange seems to come from, but Defender Strange's universe has not yet been shown officially. Viewers should have a chance to see where the Doctor Strange variant comes from depending on how he enters this story. In doing so, it is possible Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could reveal Defender Strange is from Raimi's Spider-Man universe.

Spider-Man 2 Confirmed Doctor Strange Exists In Raimi’s Franchise

Doctor Strange might not have made his big-screen live-action debut until 2016, but Sam Raimi previously confirmed the character existed in his Spider-Man trilogy. This came during the events of Spider-Man 2. J. Jonah Jameson and others at The Daily Bugle were attempting to come up with a good name for Otto Octavious' villain. While they eventually landed on Doctor Octopus, one of the names suggested was Doctor Strange. Jameson says it is a great name but taken already. This quick line might have just been a fun nod to Marvel's famous sorcerer, but it can also now be seen as a sign that a version of Doctor Strange exists in Raimi's Spider-Man universe.

Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 didn't include any other mentions or teases of Doctor Strange, and there weren't any real plans to bring the magical Marvel hero to Maguire's franchise. This wasn't even possible because Doctor Strange's movie rights were not at Sony. Miramax had the rights during Spider-Man 2's development, while Paramount then gained control of Doctor Strange in 2005 until Marvel Studios regained control in 2009. Despite the empty tease of Doctor Strange and Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man living in the same world, it was still a fun mention for Marvel fans either way. Sam Raimi's own love of Doctor Strange and the horror/supernatural side of Marvel made it clear why he'd want to mention the character in Spider-Man 2, even if a crossover wasn't in the cards.

Theory: Defender Strange Is From Raimi’s Spider-Man Universe

Doctor Strange 2 Defender Strange Variant New MCU Team Phase 4 SR

Now that Raimi is involved in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, this could be the perfect time to introduce Spider-Man's version of the sorcerer. In fact, the marketing might have already done this through Defender Strange. Such a reveal would likely mean confirming that this Doctor Strange variant has been a hero for much longer than the MCU's. Spider-Man: No Way Home made it clear that Maguire's trilogy happened many years ago, so the Doctor Strange who was active during the movies would've been much younger back then. As he's become a much bigger superhero, though, that could be how he becomes known as Defender Strange.

There's also another piece of Spider-Man: No Way Home that could lend credence to this idea. Maguire's Spider-Man confirms that the Avengers do not exist in his world. It made sense because Raimi's movies never introduced other superheroes around Spider-Man. While the Avengers not existing in that world shows how different it is from the MCU, it also could point to Defender Strange's big difference from the MCU's version. Doctor Strange 2 could reveal that the Defenders are the equivalent of the Avengers in Raimi's Spider-Man universe. That would explain why the Avengers never assembled in this reality because an experienced Doctor Strange could form his own superteam before they got the chance.

Defender Strange Could Explain Tobey Maguire’s Multiverse Cameo

Doctor Strange 2 Tobey Maguire Spider-Man

From the moment Sam Raimi became involved in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, rumors have persisted that Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man will appear. This speculation has only continued to grow as a result of the sequels' various multiverse cameos, such as Patrick Stewart's Professor X, and Maguire's return in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Although it makes sense that Marvel would use Doctor Strange 2 as an opportunity to unite Maguire and Raimi for more Spider-Man scenes, it has never quite been clear how his Spider-Man could be involved without it feeling forced.

If Defender Strange is from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man universe, then he could be the doorway to Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man cameo in Doctor Strange 2. This could be done as easily as seeing a glimpse of Spider-Man in action while on Defender Strange's world. If Marvel wants Maguire's Spidey involved in another third-act multiverse fight, though, Defender Strange could also recruit him as a known hero. This would give Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness a rather seamless way to bring Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man back into the fight.

More: How The Avengers Made Holland's Spider-Man Better Than Maguire & Garfield