Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness appears to be connecting to the wider array of Marvel properties that audiences have already seen on the big and small screen. Because of these, some familiar characters already have significant Variants that fans have previously enjoyed. Both Wanda and Doctor Strange will have their own Variants in the Multiverse.
However, whether it's from other realities seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or based on projects that are yet to be linked to that sprawling saga, these major variations of iconic characters may just get some kind of cameo in Doctor Strange 2. At the very least some of them could get a passing mention considering their place in the Multiverse.
Honorable Mention: X-Men
Whether it's the original trilogy of films, the First Class era, Wolverine's spin-off projects, shows like Legion and The Gifted, or even the Deadpool franchise, the sprawling X-Men universe has featured countless Variants of the same characters. Almost all of the major heroes have been portrayed by more than one actor or in a variety of alternative ways.
With Professor Xavier heavily teased in the trailer for Doctor Strange 2, it wouldn't be too surprising to see some of these other Variants make the jump to the MCU as well. The most likely character to do so is Wade Wilson considering his own time-traveling antics, which could lead to a fun X-Men: Origins nod!
Bruce Banner
The Incredible Hulk has become one of Marvel's most recognizable characters and thus has been well-storied on both the big and small screen. Some major actors have inhabited the role over the years and each has given a distinctive performance and unique personality traits.
Every Hulk Variant looks slightly different when in the form of the Green Goliath as well, which certainly becomes a catalyst for plenty of comparisons. While Mark Ruffalo is the Hulk of the MCU, Edward Norton, Lou Ferrigno, and even Eric Bana could lend their own iterations of the character to the Multiverse.
Loki
Loki was one of the earliest Marvel projects to fully dive into the Multiverse. The idea of Variants, in particular, was introduced here and fans were given a wide variety of Loki alternatives. Sylvie is the Variant that has been given the most play throughout the narrative.
But whether it was the Worthy Loki, the classic variation, an alligator alternative, or even the President himself, it was revealed that there were countless versions of the god of mischief out there, ready to cause mayhem. Surely a few of them will have surprise cameos in Doctor Strange 2.
Peter Parker
Peter Parker has famously been portrayed by a number of talented performers. But the three big-screen variations of the character are what audiences have really come to love. Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire are the Spider-Men that perfectly encapsulate the comic book hero.
Each one brings something different to the role, but they are individually celebrated as fantastic Variants. With Spider-Man: No Way Home bringing all of the Peters together for the first time, it's almost certain that at least one will re-appear in Multiverse Of Madness.
The Punisher
Jon Bernthal's Punisher is probably the official version of the MCU. He's interacted with the likes of Daredevil and Kingpin who have now been seen in other Marvel Studios projects. There is a long list of actors who have also donned the classic skull as well though.
As fans look for where Berthnal's Punisher might show up next, they are reminded that the Multiverse could bring in Dolph Lundgren, Thomas Jane, or Ray Stevenson! Everybody has a favorite version of the character and it would be fascinating to see these violent Variants working alongside one another.
Elektra
Elektra played by Elodie Yung is familiar to fans because of her brilliant role in Daredevil. The Disney+ and former Netflix series really cemented a fantastic version of the character that was extremely close to the comics. It's not the first time she's been on screen though.
The much earlier film version of Daredevil featured a variation of Elektra portrayed by Jennifer Garner. She would go on to star in her own titular film and although both movies left a lot to be desired, Garner herself was great in the part. It's a connection that film buffs would certainly enjoy in Doctor Strange 2.
Daredevil
In regards to the man without fear, Daredevil has also famously been played by two actors. Fans today will connect with Charlie Cox who very recently had a cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home. It was Ben Affleck that first brought the character to the big screen though.
There are a vast variety of differences between these two takes, although both steal elements from the source material. The current suit may be better but that isn't to say that Affleck's Variant doesn't have its merits! It would be an unlikely cameo, but surely the previous Matt Murdock is out there somewhere in the Multiverse!
The Fantastic Four
The very first Fantastic Four film was so bad that it was wiped from its release schedule. The second and third variations have since become cult classics. The team line-up seen within the picture, including Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd, and Michael Chiklis is really unmatched.
The most recent version of Marvel's first family saw yet another cast of actors within the roster including Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordon, Kate Mara, and Jamie Bell. It didn't live up to those earlier versions but these Variants absolutely brought something unique to the table. The two teams partnered with one another would be the kind of chaotic scene that only the Multiverse could deliver.
Nick Fury
Samuel L. Jackson is the definitive version of Nick Fury on screen. He has played the character for years, actually influenced the comic book version seen within the Ultimate Universe, and has boasted some of the best lines within the MCU. There's a Variant to the S.H.I.E.L.D. leader though.
Fans of cringe-inducing TV movies will be familiar with David Hasselhoff's version of the eye-patch-wearing spy. He really is closer to the Nick Fury that the comics portrayed much earlier in Marvel's history, and Hasselhoff has already had a Marvel cameo in Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol. 2!
Nicolas Cage was the first notable actor to take Ghost Rider from the page to the screen. His portrayal enjoyed two movies in total, with the spirit of vengeance becoming well-known thanks to the quirky and horror-infused Variant of the character.
Although Gabriel Luna has become the Ghost Rider of the MCU as the Robbie Reyes iteration, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. also showed that there was another version of the character out there as well. Combine this with Sam Elliott's Caretaker or Phantom Rider and there are plenty of Variants to crossover in the Multiverse!