Written by Joy Lyn Parohinog Francisco
Screenwriter Michael Waldron revealed how Clea (Charlize Theron) sets up the next Doctor Strange movie. The following contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. You’ve been warned.
Clea appears in the post-credit scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Charlize Theron tells Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) that he has made an Incursion in the Dark Dimension. She then needs Doctor Strange’s help to fix it.
Doctor Strange movies need to focus on Doctor Strange, of course. The first two movies featured Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) as the love of his life. However, in another universe, as depicted in What If…?, his love made him the darkest version of himself.
How Charlize Theron’s Clea Will Affect Next Doctor Strange Movie Revealed
Image: Marvel Studios
The current sequel still in theaters has already provided a closure on that love aspect of Doctor Strange. At the same time, he has amassed great power in exchange for something most valuable to him. In the end, he has resolved this sacrifice in himself and is at peace with what has happened.
According to Waldron, this is the perfect place for Doctor Strange, mentally speaking, to be ready for Clea. In Marvel Comics, Clea is the niece of Doctor Strange’s nemesis Dormammu. She is a powerful sorceress. She became a disciple of Doctor Strange. Eventually she married Doctor Strange. And in Doctor Strange’s death, he left the cloak and Eye of Agamotto to her.
In the post-credit scene, Clea seeks his help to address a problem he inadvertently caused. Opening a portal to the Dark Dimension, Doctor Strange follows her with all three eyes open.
Third Eye for the third movie?
There is also the important facet about Doctor Strange’s third eye. He has come to acquire it as a result of the events in the movie. In other words, a level of Dark Magic is now in Doctor Strange. Clea acknowledges that he is the one powerful enough to have wreaked havoc on her world. And only he can help her put things back in place.
How Charlize Theron’s Clea Will Affect Next Doctor Strange Movie Revealed
Image: Marvel Comics Group
If the story follows the comics, does this mean that Doctor Strange 3 is preparing for the sorcerer’s end? Or are they going to explore more of his powers and how it may lead to bigger more catastrophic events?
Even in the comics, Clea is constantly protecting her home dimension from the clutches of Dormammu.
Therefore, this and Doctor Strange’s own responsibilities on earth prevent them from being together even though they are practically married.
As Iron Man is crucial to MCU leading to Avengers: Endgame, is the same path being laid out for Doctor Strange?