Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has started rolling out across the globe, and many of you will likely have already watched the film (or be on the way to seeing it) by the time you read this.
While not the cameo-filled trip through the Multiverse the title and all those rumors suggested, some big name characters and actors show up in the sequel, and it's those we're taking a look at here. We'll get to the film's Variants of its main characters soon, but these are members of the Illuminati and other unexpected heroes and villains who make their presence felt throughout.
Spider-Man? Deadpool? Ghost Rider? There's a good reason critics have warned fans to temper expectations, but don't fret because Marvel Studios still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
It goes without saying that we're getting into heavy SPOILERS here, so you'll have to hit Next if you want to find out which cameos to be on the lookout for in the Doctor Strange sequel!
6. Captain Marvel
Fans were initially convinced that this was the Superior Iron Man, but the superpowered being who powers up for a fight with Scarlet Witch is, in fact, a Captain Marvel Variant.
In this instance, it's Maria Rambeau who was granted those incredible cosmic powers, and that means Lashana Lynch reprises her Captain Marvel role as a Variant of Carol Danvers' best friend. Wearing a navy and silver uniform, she looks great, and is just as powerful as her MCU counterpart.
5. Black Bolt
Inhumans lasted for just a single season on ABC. Besieged by negative reviews, the series was produced in collaboration with IMAX, but had a distinct low-budget feel and failed these characters in countless ways. It goes without saying we never expected to see them in the MCU again.
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Anson Mount reprises the role of Black Bolt and finally dons a comic accurate costume in the process, tuning fork and all. His voice is as powerful as his comic book counterpart's and, if this is a one and done appearance, Mount has been redeemed.
4. Professor X
The film's worst kept secret thanks to that trailer and recent TV spots, Sir Patrick Stewart does indeed reprise the role of Professor X in this film. In the yellow floating wheelchair and decked out in a green suit, we can't help but wonder if this is X-Men: The Animated Series' Charles Xavier.
Given what happens to him in the film, that might explain why the series is being revived (there's also the small matter of the theme that plays when he first appears on screen). However, Stewart looks his age here and we can't see this being a character he returns to following this cameo.
3. Captain Carter
Another cameo essentially spoiled in the trailers, Hayley Atwell does indeed make her live-action debut as Captain Carter (and even reels off a line that should be immediately familiar to fans).
Is this What If...?'s Captain Carter? We don't think so. Her costume is a little different and she has jetpacks that distinguish her from that animated Variant. Marvel Studios has yet to directly address that show's place in the wider MCU - there's no Uatu here, for example - but we didn't walk out of the film thinking this Captain Carter is part of the Illuminati and Guardians of the Multiverse.
2. Mister Fantastic
Master Mordo is also part of the Illuminati, but you knew that already. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' biggest cameo is quite easily Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four. It's not Ioan Gruffudd playing Mister Fantastic, but John Krasinski, the fan-favorite pick for the role.
Rocking a beard and a blue and black suit with the "4" logo right in the middle of his chest, he couldn't look any more perfect. As is often the case with MCU costumes, it's a little busy, but we can only hope this means the actor will reprise the role in that upcoming reboot. As much as we appreciate Marvel making the fan casts a reality, Krasinski needs to stick around (though probably not as this Reed).
1. Clea
In the post-credits scene, Doctor Strange is walking down the street when a female voice calls out to him. He turns around and, standing there in a purple costume nearly identical to the comics, is Charlize Theron as Clea. You can find a full breakdown of what happens here, but this is great casting.
Contrary to popular belief, Rachel McAdams plays a Dr. Christine Palmer Variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and not Clea. Theron is a great grab for Marvel Studios, and it's clear the spotlight will be put on Dormammu's niece in the inevitable Doctor Strange threequel.