WARNING: Major spoilers for Doctor Strange 2!
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness writer Michael Waldron explains the main difference between the film's Illuminati and the Avengers. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first three phases focused on the formation of the Avengers. Minus a few misguided decisions — made by Tony Stark ala Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War — the superhero team has exuded righteousness since its debut. Following Avengers: Endgame, Phase 4 of the MCU (arguably the post-Avengers era) has explored alternate versions of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Multiverse of Madness sees Doctor Strange visit more than a few alternate universes as the focus shifts from Earth-616’s Avengers to the Illuminati. Partway through the film, Strange and America Chavez land in Earth-838, a faux utopian universe/police state. There, Strange is arrested and escorted by Ultron sentries before Earth-838’s Illuminati: a secret society of superheroes consisting of Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell), Maria Rambeau/Captain Marvel (Lashana Lynch), Black Bolt (Anson Mount), Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), and Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (John Krasinski). Now that all of those cameos have either been seen or spoiled, the Loki creator and Multiverse of Madness scribe has compared them to Captain America and company.
In a recent interview with Inverse, Waldron explained how the Avengers differ from Multiverse of Madness’ Illuminati. While acknowledging that ethical line the Avengers won’t cross, he explained the Illuminati aim to “make the hard decisions,” which is why they operate in the shadows. Read the full quote below:
“The Avengers have a line they wouldn’t cross. The Illuminati is there to do the things the Avengers can’t. To make the hard decisions. That’s why they operate in the shadows and hope they never have to meet. They’re willing to play in the gray.”
Despite Professor X eventually concluding that “just because someone stumbles and loses their path, doesn't mean they're lost forever,” the group's lack of faith in the 616’s Strange because of 838 Strange—who they killed—and flippant attitude towards Scarlet Witch exemplify an elitist and arrogant attitude in line with their comic book counterparts. Suffice to say, the Avengers are the humbler group. Of course, these new heroes are swiftly and brutally disposed of by a Darkhold-possessed Wanda Maximoff, which sends quite the message regarding the true power of the Scarlet Witch. Although the Illuminati doesn't survive Multiverse of Madness, the team’s philosophy and members will likely play a role in the MCU’s future.
As Marvel Studios continues to explore its multiverse and become more mature, MCU films are sure to paint in shades of gray. Over the past decade, the Avengers have done everything they can to save as many lives as possible. As stated by Steve Rogers/Captain America in Avengers: Infinity War, “they don’t trade lives” no matter the cost. Clearly, Earth 838’s Peggy and the Illuminati are willing to trade lives and Steve is no longer around to have an issue with it. It's possible the Illuminati may have only existed in that one universe. Conversely, maybe they’re already around or on the verge of forming in 616. Even if audiences don’t see the assembled Illuminati again, characters like Captain Carter, Mr. Fantastic, Professor X, and Captain Marvel will likely return in some way, shape, or form. Until then, fans can go watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in theaters for the second, third, or fourth time and theorize about that empty chair and a lack of a Superior Iron Man.
Source: Inverse
