Following her brief presence in the post-credits scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Charlize Theron makes a passing mention to her probable return as Clea in the MCU. Steven Strange faced out against Wanda Maximoff, who had been tempted by the Darkhold’s wickedness and had embraced her role as the Scarlett Witch, in Sam Raimi’s follow-up to Steven Strange’s initial MCU appearance. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which is still the MCU’s most thorough investigation of the multiverse to date, not only featured a confrontation between two of the franchise’s most potent figures but also started to hint at the scope of potential opportunities for bringing new heroes to the big screen via multiversal travel.
The MCU’s Earth 838 Illuminati, which consists of Captain Carter, Captain Marvel, Black Bolt, Professor X, and Mr. Fantastic, had extended cameo appearances in the sequel. But in addition to introducing this new group of variations to the franchise, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness went a step further by including a second cameo for Theron’s Clea in the movie’s post-credits scene. If the source material for the MCU is any indication, Clea’s appearance will have a big impact on Doctor Strange’s destiny. A thrilling conclusion to Steven’s story may be in store for fans, as suggested by Clea’s relationship to Steven Strange’s former adversary Dormammu and a potential romantic plot involving the two sorcerers.
Theron is highly evasive when discussing a possible MCU comeback on Jimmy Kimmel Live, despite these possibilities. Theron remains silent about what could happen to Doctor Strange in the future, making hints at both Marvel’s requirement that actors not be given specific contracts or plot plans, as well as her own lack of current understanding of Clea’s character.
“I hope [the cameo]’s not it, but we’ll see, yes… I think I know, I mean unless, I’m sure they can change their mind, depending on what I say on this show! [Laughs]”
Phase 4 Cameos In The MCU Have Changed As A Result Of Marvel Embracing Shorter Contracts
Theron’s comments highlight how the MCU has fundamentally altered its strategy for cameos in Phase 4. The introduction of new cameo characters throughout Phase 4 has been somewhat less future-focused and more focused on the now. Previously, cameo actors were being introduced and instantly signed on for 4+ films at a time, clearly being set up for certain future editions. Although celebrities like Brett Goldstein and Harry Styles have played important roles like Eros and Hercules, and Kevin Feige has verbally confirmed their return, the contractual details for these upcoming appearances are much less clear than, for instance, Chris Hemsworth’s initial five film contract as Thor.
Considering the impact this has had on Phase 4 thus far, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’s introduction of the Illuminati only to kill them off in the subsequent scene could likely be interpreted as either one of two things: first, Marvel is possibly testing the waters and assessing fan reactions to potential new heroes and cast members before fully committing to their repeated appearances. Second, and perhaps more worryingly, the careful and deliberate build-up shown in Phases 1 through 3 has been abandoned in favor of a greater indulgence in the notion that the multiverse can openly explore and retcon future storylines without having any significant or long-lasting effects on these characters. Even while it was unexpected, the cruel killing of Mr. Fantastic, a beloved character created by fans and portrayed by John Krasinski, just moments later was a disturbing sign that the MCU is growing even looser with the odds stacked against its heroes. Relying too heavily on the multiverse and variant cameos could be disastrous. However, it is still quite improbable that characters like Clea will be squandered given the possible tales accessible from the comics.
Source: Jimmy Kimmel Live