The films and series to catch up on

Things take a turn for the weird in the MCU, as the ever-growing talk of the multiverse has led to this one, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The film may be a sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange, but it also draws influences from several of Marvel’s more recent films and TV shows.

If you’re a little confused about Stephen Strange’s origin story or want to know how Wanda Maximoff really became Scarlet Witch, here are the movies and shows you need to watch before watching Doctor Strange 2.

*WARNING: Spoilers Ahead from the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Trailers*

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1. WandaVision

Where to watch: Available on Disney+

A lot has happened to Wanda Maximoff since we last saw her on the big screen in Avengers: Endgame, which is all explored in the weird and wonderful WandaVision series.

Lost in her grief at Vision, Wanda inadvertently manages to tap into the unknown depths of her power and truly takes on the Scarlet Witch’s mantle.

WandaVision is also the first hint that Marvel’s films and TV shows are intended to cross-over heavily, so MCU superfans will definitely want to keep up with the latest series to stay on top of the ever-expanding web of stories.

2. Doctor Strange

Where to watch: Available on Disney+ and can be purchased on physical or digital media

While Multiverse of Madness may be a sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange, the second film’s plot doesn’t lean too much on the original, save for the return of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Karl Mordo.

That being said, there’s no harm in catching up on the origin story of how Stephen Strange went from being a highly skilled surgeon to becoming one of the most powerful wizards on earth.

3. What if…?

Where to watch: Available on Disney+

The animated What if…? series is another show that leaned heavily on the concept of the multiverse, and arguably its best installment focuses on an alternate version of Doctor Strange, who used evil methods to save his love interest Christine.

As the Multiverse of Madness trailers have revealed, there will be several Stephen Strange variations as well as an appearance by Captain Carter in the film, so be sure to check out some What If…? Episodes wouldn’t hurt.

4. Spider-Man: No Way Home

Where to watch: Can be purchased on physical or digital media

Doctor Strange may be delving deep into the multiverse for the first time in the new film, but Stephen’s first exposure to the possibility of infinite universes came in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Seeing characters from an endless series of universes all but bombard each other into his world clearly piqued Doctor Strange’s interest in the multiverse.

5. Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame

Where to watch: Available on Disney+ and can be purchased on physical or digital media

After half of Thanos’ life was wiped out, Doctor Strange clearly wants to prevent something like this from ever happening again.

And as a moment so pivotal to the current ethos of the MCU and Doctor Strange, there’s never a bad time to check out one of the most epic double bills in all of cinema – and yes, we count those two films as an entry in our list.

6. The X-Men movies

Where to watch: Available on Disney+ and can be purchased on physical or digital media

Marvel fandom was thrown into a frenzy following the arrival of the second Multiverse of Madness trailer when Patrick Stewart’s voice was heard hinting at an appearance as Charles Xavier.

If you’re not too familiar with Patrick Stewart’s take on the character or the broader X-Men mythos, delve into one of the three original X-Men films (X-Men, X2 or The Last Stand) or newer days of the future past is not a bad start.

7. Loki

Where to watch: Available on Disney+

Finally, we have Loki, another series that explores the concept of the multiverse and could also have major implications for the future MCU.

While the series may not be essential to the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness storyline, a little additional overhaul to the multiverse and variants wouldn’t hurt Marvel superfans.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits cinemas here in the UK on 5th May 2022.

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