After massive fan speculation, it appears that Marvel's Illuminati is in fact joining the MCU through Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, Phase 4 of the MCU has been exploring multiple new territories. As established characters get the spotlight after the deaths of various Avengers, Marvel Studios is also bringing in the next generation of superheroes, both through film and TV. The MCU has also introduced the Multiverse concept as various MCU movies and Disney+ shows are toying with alternative realities. Following Spider-Man: No Way Home, the first Doctor Strange sequel will take it to the next level.

While Patrick Stewart's Professor X will be one of the Multiverse cameos, the latest Doctor Strange 2 trailer did suggest the possible introduction of the Illuminati. The famous Marvel team, which was established in Marvel lore in 2005, was a secret alliance between Professor X, Doctor Strange, Mr. Fantastic, Iron Man, Black Bolt, and Namor. After Stewart's iconic X-Men character was heard in the trailer, fans noticed that there were at least six other seats in the same room, suggesting that Sam Raimi's Doctor Strange 2 might be setting up the MCU's take on the Illuminati.

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As Doctor Strange 2 is less than two months away from hitting theaters, it appears the Illuminati is indeed getting the MCU treatment. In a new image from Empire Magazine, as shared through Cosmic Marvel on Twitter, Benedict Cumberbatch's titular hero is seen in the same location from the trailer where Professor X's voice could be heard. On the right side of the photo, a caption reads "Benedict Wong returns as Sorcerer Supreme Wong; Rachel McAdams as Stephen Strange's former sweetheart Christina Palmer; Strange stands before the Illuminati," which can be seen below.

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This reveal comes directly after Doctor Strange 2 producer Richie Palmer seemingly shot down the idea of this film, including the Illuminati. While it wasn't a full-on debunk, Palmer had stated that "if we ever introduce the Illuminati in the future, it might be more MCU-driven and have some more ties to our characters in the MCU, versus just replicating what’s in the comics." Marvel Studios is famous for sometimes misleading their viewers, especially when it comes to keeping big MCU spoilers and surprises under wrap, and Palmer's Illuminati comments may have been just that.

At this point, no matter how big or small their part will be, the Illuminati is obviously having some involvement in Doctor Strange 2. A possible scenario, however, is that whatever iteration of the Illuminati shows up in the sequel, won't be the one the MCU follows in future stories. If anything, it could be that Stephen will meet a Variant version of the team, that may inspire him to create a similar alliance in his own reality. When it comes to the MCU, anything is possible and time will tell what the Illuminati's function will be in Doctor Strange 2.

MORE: Doctor Strange 2 Theory: Scarlet Witch Kills The Illuminati

Source: Empire Magazine (via Cosmic Marvel)