Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness are ahead!
Given who made up the lineup of Earth-838’s Illuminati, including John Krasinski as Mister Fantastic and Patrick Stewart as a new version of Professor X, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness had already delivered enough on the cameo front. However, in Multiverse of Madness’ mid-credits scene, following Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange realizing he’d developed a third eye, the Master of the Mystic Arts was approached by Clea, who’s been a major player in the Doctor Strange comics for decades and is being played in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Charlize Theron. Nearly a week after the sequel opened to the public, we now have some official images of Theron as Clea, and she looks dazzling!
Charlize Theron cameoing as Clea in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness definitely ranked as one of the sequel’s biggest surprises, and if you were hoping to get another look at this iteration of the character that didn’t come from someone snapping a picture of the silver screen on their phone, your wish has been granted. Check out images that Theron shared on Instagram:
First up, we have an up-close shot of Charlize Theron made up to look like Clea, including rocking snow white hair and the purple eyeshadow. In the next shot, we get to see some of her unique costume as she stands next to Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange out on the street. Honestly, I didn’t expect any crisp images of Theron as Clea to be released until Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hit home media and/or became available to Disney+ subscribers, but the actress delivered tis treat for fans to enjoy just a few days after the sequel kicked off its theatrical run and had a magical opening weekend.
In her brief amount of screen time, Charlize Theron’s Clea informed Doctor Strange that his actions in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ main story triggered an incursion that he needs to help her fix. She then opened a portal to the Dark Dimension, and after popping out his third eye again, Strange followed her through to that chaotic dimension he last visited in his 2016 debut. It’s clear as day that this is groundwork being laid for Doctor Strange 3, although to be up front, Marvel Studios hasn’t officially greenlit a threequel yet. Still, the chances of it happening are stronger than not, so fans should prepare themselves for getting to see Strange and Clea team up in the MCU at some point.
Clea was introduced to the Marvel Comics mythology in 1964’s Strange Tales #126, almost a year and a half after Doctor Strange debuted. A Faltine hailing from the Dark Dimension, Clea is the daughter of Umar and niece of Dormammu, who rules over that reality. She started out as Doctor Strange’s only ally whenever he traveled to the Dark Dimension, and the two of them later married, although Clea eventually returned to her home reality to lead a resistance movement. Following the “Death of Doctor Strange” storyline, Clea has inherited the Sorcerer Supreme mantle, making me wonder if that could happen to the MCU if something horrible befalls Wong.
It could be a long time until we learn what’s next for Charlize Theron’s Clea, but we here at CinemaBlend will keep on the lookout for any major updates. In the meantime, the upcoming Marvel movies guide is available for those of you wondering what this franchise has on the way for the silver screen.
