Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness writer Michael Waldron teased more information about Earth-838 appearing in the movie's novelization.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Waldron was asked about the Memory Lane sequence, in which America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) and Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) were able to see into each other's pasts using a special technology. He noted the scene originally had more dialogue, and that the company behind Memory Lane can store the memories of people who use its service. Those who use the service are also potentially liable for any crime the company might find in their past. Waldron explained, "838 is a little more of a police state, a little more Orwellian than our universe. Maybe this Memory Lane thing isn't as innocent as it seems. I don't know how much of that translates on the screen, but wait for the novelization. I'll go deep into that."
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Chavez ends up in Earth-616, where the main Marvel Cinematic Universe occurs. After she arrives, Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) begins hunting her to steal her power, having been corrupted by the Darkhold following the events of 2021's WandaVision. This leads to Chavez transporting herself and Doctor Strange to Earth-838. There, they meet the Illuminati, a group made up of Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart, Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Maria Rambeau/Captain Marvel (Lashana Lynch), Peggy Carter/Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell), Blackagar Boltagon/Black Bolt (Anson Mount) and Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (John Krasinski). The Illuminati are the protectors of Earth-838 and nearly execute Doctor Strange as a result of his incursion into their reality.
Created by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven, the Illuminati first appeared in 2005's New Avengers #7. The original version of the group in the comics consisted of Namor, Tony Stark/Iron Man, Richards, Black Bolt, Doctor Strange and Xavier. Like its movie counterpart, the Illuminati is dedicated to protecting its universe.
At the time of writing, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has earned more than $532 million worldwide, despite having been banned in some markets due to LGBTQIA+ content. Critically, the sequel holds a 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes among critics. However, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness's audience score is much higher at 87 percent.
Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is in theaters now.
Source: Vanity Fair
