Marvel Theory Suggests Shang-Chi Introduced The MCU’s Illuminati
WARNING: Spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured the Illuminati as part of Earth-838, but one fan theory suggests that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings already introduced Earth-616’s version of the team. After months of speculation leading up to Doctor Strange 2, the Sam Raimi film delivered on big Marvel cameos as part of the Illuminati roster. However, the short-lived appearance of the Illuminati did not match the importance the group had in the Marvel comics, something that a non-multiversal Illuminati team in the MCU could fix.
Rumors about the Illuminati cameos dominated the conversation about Doctor Strange 2, and names like Tom Cruise as Iron Man and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool were constantly speculated to be on the film. While not every rumored Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness cameo became true, the film saw the debut of an X-Men, Professor X, in the MCU, as well as an old fan-cast, becoming true: John Krasinski as Mister Fantastic. Doctor Strange’s Illuminati team also had Mordo, Captain Marvel, Captain Carter, and Black Bolt – but none of them were able to oppose Scarlet Witch.
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With the death of all of the members of Earth-838’s Illuminati and the multiverse still exposed to threats other than the Scarlet Witch, it is possible that Earth-616’s Doctor Strange takes the events of the film as inspiration to create the MCU’s actual version of the Illuminati. However, one fan theory (via Reddit) suggests the concept of an Earth-616 Illuminati team has already been laid out in the Shang-Chi mid-credits scene. On that occasion, Wong, Captain Marvel, and
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