This article may contain major spoilers for Dr. Strange 2: The Multiverse of Madness.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is made up of emotional moments that leave audiences rooting for the complex and deeply troubled characters inspired by Marvel comic books.
Each movie presents a new opportunity to revisit and further explore beloved characters. And because they appear or are at least mentioned in other MCU productions, there is this sense of them coexisting in the same reality. Fans who love to follow these stories and grow deeply attached to figures such as Iron Man or Black Widow are also aware of the nuances and developments which accompany them. That is why certain quotes hit the viewers much harder after a rewatch.
Nick Fury
“I still believe in heroes.”
Nick Fury has always been an iconic character who is often responsible for helping move the plot along from the background.
The Avengers initiative has been a project of his for years. He fought to bring them together and to maintain the team at several points, defending them from those who were against his plan. In the 2019 Captain Marvel, audiences got to see where his confidence in the heroes came from, as well as the idea of putting together a team of them to safeguard the world. And this belief is a staple of Fury's perseverance throughout the various phases of the MCU.
Vision
"What is grief, if not love persevering?"
Vision is a Synthezoid made out of vibranium by Ultron who eventually becomes romantically involved with Wanda Maximoff.
In an attempt to put himself in Wanda's shoes, he asks her in a flashback about her feelings regarding her brother Pietro's death. Vision admits that he never had "a loved one to lose", but questions "it can't be all sorrow, can it?". He helps Wanda with the grieving process by reminding her of the love she felt for her parents and her brother. A re-watching of WandaVision and Age Of Ultron proves how much she cares about her family and how much she has suffered from their demise.
The Watcher
“One life, one choice, one moment can destroy the entire universe.”
The fourth episode of What If...? focuses on a Doctor Strange variant who loses Christine Palmer instead of the use of his hands.
Because Strange cannot stop trying to bring her back, despite knowing that her death is an Absolute Point in time, he eventually brings about the collapse of his universe. The Watcher's words show how certain choices start a domino effect that culminates in a downfall impossible to stop, and they struck even harder after rewatching how Stephen and Christine's relationship was set in the first Doctor Strange movie.
Wanda Maximoff
"I am not a monster, I am a mother"
Wanda Maximoff has become a central player within the MCU, and her strength makes Scarlet Witch one of the best female characters from Phase 4.
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda is determined to reach her children in another universe no matter the cost. When confronted by Doctor Strange about the consequences of her actions, she justifies her intentions with motherhood. The argument can be read both ways, especially when considering every moment throughout the movie when she shows how heartbroken she is and how much she cares for her family.
Peggy Carter
"The world has changed and none of us can go back. All we can do is our best, and sometimes the best that we can do is to start over."
Captain Peggy Carter was first introduced in the 2011 Captain America: The First Avenger.
After Steve Rogers is presumed dead during World War II, she moves on, marrying and having kids. When he comes back, decades later, as they are reminiscing about their life achievements and lost opportunities, Peggy comforts him in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This pep talk becomes even more insightful with a rewatching of the movies: both characters are motivated by a desire to do good and move on, even if it hurts.
Steve Rogers
"Well, after I put the stones back, I thought maybe I'll try some of that life that Tony was telling me to get."
In Endgame, to Sam Wilson and Bucky's surprise, instead of returning right after completing his mission, Captain America decides to stay in the past.
During his life, he has always done what he felt was right for everyone else, regardless of the outcome for himself. Captain America's selflessness, an unmistakable trait of Steve's, also meant that his own happiness was never a priority to him. After saving the universe again and returning the Infinity Stones, Steve grabbed the chance of going back to Peggy, following the advice of Tony Stark - who had built a family with Pepper Potts during the Blip.
Stephen Strange
"Spare his life (Tony's), and I will give you the Stone. No tricks."
Strange's request to Thanos in Infinity War that he would not kill Tony Stark seems standard, given the circumstances, but a closer look at the movie from its start tells a deeper story.
Thanks to the Time Stone, Strange finds out that the Avengers would only win in one of the 14,000,605 "possible outcomes of the coming conflict" against Thanos. Later, it seems like "the only way" was to give the villain the Stone to save Iron Man's life. Funny enough, at the beginning of the movie, Strange had promised Tony that if it came between saving him or protecting the Time Stone, he would choose the latter.
Tony Stark
"I Love You 3000."
This Endgame line has become iconic for a number of reasons, and will forever live in the memories and hearts of MCU fans.
This sweet declaration is recited by Tony's hologram to his daughter after the character's death. It refers to a moment from the beginning of the movie when Tony is putting Morgan to bed, and he tells her "I love you tons", to which Morgan answers "I love you 3000". It was a simple exchange, but impactful for the beloved character's journey.
Scarlet Witch
"You break the rules and become a hero. I do it and become the enemy."
When Wanda reveals herself as the Scarlet Witch to Doctor Strange, she displays a deep rage against the unfairnesses she has seen and endured.
To better understand her accusations, viewers needs to revisit Stephen Strange in other movies. In Infinity War, he surrendered the Time Stone to Thanos, despite it being his responsibility as Sorcerer Supreme to safeguard it, and, in Spider-Man: No Way Home, he cast a spell that backfired, bringing all the Spider-Man movie villains from other universes into the MCU. Notwithstanding Strange's intentions, Wanda makes a fair point of questioning his deeds.
Captain America
"Avengers, assemble!"
This is the most well-known catchphrase of Captain America. It is followed in a close second place by, "I could do this all day!", which Captain Carter later adapts.
Rogers asks the other heroes to come together and fight united against their foes. As a founding member of the Avengers, Steve is someone who embodies the values of resilience and partnership to his core, and he passes them on to the other members of the team he believes in. The "Avengers, assemble!" line is still iconic after 10 years because through it Cap becomes one of the essential forces that keeps the Avengers together throughout every difficulty they encountered.