The Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: infinite dimensions in infinite combinations

The Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

With Spider-Man: No Way Home, the progressive introduction of the Multiverse into the cinematic life of Marvel superheroes seems to have taken a definitive affirmation. Not that it was still in doubt, considering that from the very beginning of Phase Four, the 'cosmic phase' of the MCU, it was clear how the multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be the cornerstone of the new post-Endgame era. From the series available on Disney + such as WandaVision and Loki, to the rumors about the next film dedicated to the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is increasingly the protagonist of the scene, even if this element, in a subtle way, has been present within this superheroic fresco for unsuspected times.

As the last fourteen years of adventures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have shown us, nothing happens by chance. Every aspect, every detail is carefully managed by a team of screenwriters who create apparently invisible connections, but who contribute to creating a step by step construction of a complex narrative universe. Arriving at the creation of the Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, therefore, could not be an impromptu decision, but it becomes the fulfillment of a long planning that takes us back to the dawn of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: alternative dimensions and parallel realities

In order not to further complicate the discussion, let's avoid delving into the comic book Multiverse of the House of Ideas, which makes the nascent version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe a walk. However, we must first answer a question: what is meant by multiverse? Let's not get into a scientific discourse, let's limit ourselves to the vision offered to us by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting from the assumption that the Multiverse of the Marvel Cineamatic Universe is an almost infinite set of parallel worlds and different planes of existence. And here, we need to make a first distinction.

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Having made this technical distinction, how is the Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe structured? Although the first, mild reference to the multiverse is made in Thor: The Dark World, it is only with the entry of the Sorcerer Supreme that we have an indicative presentation of the multiverse, including the risks involved. During his first encounter with the Ancient in Kamar-Taj, Strange is introduced to the mysteries of the Multiverse:

"Do you think there is only this universe made of matter? What is real? What mysteries lie beyond the reach of his senses? This universe is only one of an infinite number. Endless worlds, some benevolent and life-giving. Others, full of evil and misery, dark places where more ancient powers more ancient than time remain eagerly awaiting "

The Ancient, with its cryptic way of doing, describes with a certain clarity the Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although we tend to see the death of He Who Remains in Loki as the trigger of the Marvelian multiverse, the appearance of these 'infinite dimensions, in infinite combinations' is already present in other moments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with Doctor Strange.

Infinite dimensions

It is precisely up to the Sorcerer Supreme to show us the first alternate dimensions that fall within the complex Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, exploring some of these other dimensions with a lightning psychedelic journey

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Similar to the Astral Plane is the Ancestral Plane seen in Black Panther, the place where all who have played the role of protectors of Wakanda can find themselves, usually at the death of their physical body. Contrary to the Astral Plane, the Ancestral Plane does not reproduce the real world, but is influenced by the soul and perception of the visitor, as demonstrated by the two different versions seen in Black Panther, oneiric and quiet that of T'Challa, dark and biting the one. by Killmonger.

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The Mirror Dimension is another place used by possessors of the mystical arts, a place that replicates the real world in detail, but can be altered without that such changes impact on reality. Useful for traveling, training or containing threats, the Mirror Dimension is also used for less noble purposes, such as hiding, a function used by the rebellious Master of the Mystical Arts, Kaecillius. We first saw it in Doctor Strange, but it reappears as a weapon in the Warlock Supreme's arsenal in Avengers: Infinity War and Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Definitely dangerous is the Dark Dimension, where the demon Dormammu rules. Visited by Strange in an attempt to stop Kaecillius's plan, it is a place beyond time, capable of providing unnatural longevity even to humans, as done by the Ancient. From this dimension comes a powerful source of magic, the Dark Force.

It is not entirely clear, within the Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the existence of Ta Lo, the magical land seen in Shang- Who is the Legend of the Ten Rings. Despite being a land populated by magical creatures and populated by men capable of superhuman feats, Ta Lo appears as a separate dimension from the Earth of the Marvel Universe (known as T errra-199999), but it is not entirely clear whether it is a portion magic of the reality of Marvel's heroes or of a real alternative dimension.

Other realities and mysterious entities

Not only different dimensions for the Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also alternativ e reality in which the protagonists of the cycle may find themselves having to act. If the dimensions seem to have a metaphysical and magical origin, for the alternative realities we choose a concept that is closest to science.

The Quantum Realm at the center of Ant-Man's adventures fully meets this definition . Appeared in T he Ant-Man and the Wasp, the Quantum Realm is a sub-molecular reality that can be accessed by reducing its mass to an infinitesimal level, a reality that risks becoming a prison, as Janet van Dyne unintentionally discovered. Curiously, even within this reality, time has a different value, as demonstrated by Scott Lang who explains to the Avengers how to use the Quantum Realm to travel through time and undo the nefarious effects of Thanos' snap. We already know that the Quantum Kingdom will have a fundamental role in the next film dedicated to the two little Avengers, an adventure in which none other than Kang the Conquistator will appear and, an essential figure when it comes to Multiverse.

As readers of the House of Ideas comics know, talking about Kang the Conqueror is an intertwining of names, past and future versions of the character, with all that entails at the chronological level. Reason we will be addressing the role of Kang in another article for now, suffice it to say for now that we have encountered a version of him, known as the One Who Remains, in Loki. An encounter that takes place in his Citadel, which seems to be suspended in time, in its own asynchronous reality.

The One Who Remains is central to the definition of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Multiverse because he is the first character to explicitly refer to others itself of parallel universes, its Variants, which have become the source of a bloody war that has convinced him of the need to control similar events by creating the Time Variant Authority (TVA), with the aim of protecting the Sacred Timeline. All central elements in the Loki series, which in its final episode gives us an epochal moment: the breaking of the Multiverse.

Although different theories have seen at other times the breaking down of the barriers that limit the Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe , from the drama of Wanda seen in WandaVision to the spell of Strange in Spider-Man: No Way Home, but it is the death of the One Who Remains at the hands of Silvye that irreparably compromises the balance of the Multiverse. This event, in addition to being certainly at the center of next season of Loki, could become one of the main thrusts of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. An opportunity to bring the alternative universes seen in Marvel What if ...? , animated series in which a dark version of Doctor Strange has already appeared, recently seen in flesh and blood in the trailer for the next film dedicated to the Sorcerer Supreme.

The future of the Marvel Multiverse Cinematic Universe

The Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a decidedly captivating narrative tool, which allows writers to be able to juggle in a surprising way within the rich roster of Marvel characters, as well demonstrated with Spider-Man: No Way Home and confirmed by Kevin Faige himself. The risk, in these cases, is to see in the all too persuasive legitimations of the Multiverse a sort of deus ex machina with which to validate even the most bizarre ideas.

What we have seen so far in Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home, net of an exciting fan service, however, leaves some good sensations, which after the further taste in Spider-Man: No Way Home could show its full potential in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Without forgetting that, while not directly linked to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we also have the Spider-verse started with Spider-Man: A new universe and ready to amaze us again with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The two multiverses seem at the moment well separated (even if that 'Meanwhile in another universe' does not convince me), but as the last chapter of the adventures of our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man showed us never say never, since alongside the Peter Parker of the Marvel Cinematic Universe we saw the previous cinematic webweaves. Hoping that with this excuse we do not find ourselves having a Human Torch with the face of Captain America, of course.

At present, the Multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an uncharted territory, full of potential, but for now better not forget Stephen Strange's warning:

"The multiverse is a concept we know terribly little about"