Marvel Studios may have already revealed the result of the duel between Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Despite their co-starring roles in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the magic-wielding duo has yet to meet in person, at least on screen. That will happen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but it seems that this will not be a pleasant encounter, since the two will disagree on many points.
Since the conclusion of WandaVision, Wanda hasn’t been seen in the MCU. She went on a self-imposed exile after the Maximoff Anomaly, where she learnt more about herself as the Scarlet Witch via the Darkhold. It’s unclear how much information she’s gained from the Book of the Damn, but she’ll only get more deadly if she uses evil magic. Doctor Strange, on the other hand, is fresh off the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. While he was able to assist Peter Parker (Tom Holland) with his personal problem, his irresponsible acts may find him in hot water with the MCU’s Illuminati. Unfortunately for him, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness isn’t going to be his only issue.
Director Sam Raimi’s upcoming MCU film will delve deeper into the multiverse, but it will also see the franchise’s most prominent magic users battling each other. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ trailer has already set up the pair’s conflict, with Wanda feeling unfairly treated compared to the Master of the Mystic Arts. But before the sequel even hits theaters, Marvel Studios may have already spoiled who wins the battle. The latest Empire Magazine feature for the movie reveals that the events of the project are part of Doctor Strange’s journey in becoming the Sorcerer Supreme — a title that Wong (Benedict Wong) currently holds. Considering that the sorcerer’s worthiness is in question because of Doctor Strange’s actions in Spider-Man: No Way Home, the best way for him to make amends is to stop Scarlet Witch from wreaking havoc. Wanda is expectedly scouring multiple realities to save her kids, and it’s safe to say that she will stop at nothing to make sure that they’re safe.
While Doctor Strange will more likely emerge victorious against Scarlet Witch, it doesn’t mean that he’s more powerful than her. Chances are that he will get help from some allies. That includes his trusted ally, Wong, and America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) — a brand new hero in the MCU, who will actually teach Doctor Strange more about how the multiverse works. Based on the official promo stills for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the sorcerer will meet America Chavez as they’re both being detained by the franchise’s version of the Illuminati, before escaping and kicking off their adventures through multiple realities. Stephen Strange will also have the full backing of the Masters of the Mystic Arts, especially if Scarlet Witch intentionally causes ruckus across the multiverse, putting Earth in danger. Given all this help, it’s possible that while Doctor Strange ultimately defeats Wanda, it’s unclear if he would be able to do it on a one-on-battle.
This isn’t the first time that Marvel Studios pit their heroes against each other. Captain America: Civil War already did it first, and although the main conflict was between Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans), Wanda was a prominent figure in why they fight in the first place. Now, Scarlet Witch is at the forefront of another conflict, but this time, it’s a more dangerous fight against Doctor Strange as the multiverse’s fate is at stake.
