TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas introduced several multiverse variants intothe MCU timelinethrough itsnumerous Marvel moviesand television series. The MCU’s second saga explores the concept of the multiverse, infinite parallel realities. Each of these has their own versions of the MCU’s characters, known as variants. These often explore different paths these characters could have taken, providing fascinating “what if” scenarios within the MCU’s continuity.
This article focuses explicitly on characters established in the MCU whose variants have subsequently been introduced. As such, variants of characters originating from other franchises, such as Xavier and Mr. Fantastic inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,are not included. Additionally, this excludes characters from the animated seriesWhat If…?, as that series exclusively features alternate universe versions of characters, rather than their main (Earth-616) counterparts. It is also worth noting that Blade has not been included, as his MCU debut inEternalswas off-screen.
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12Spider-Man
Spider-Man Variants Are Introduced In Spider-Man: No Way Home
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man first swung into the MCU inCaptain America: Civil War(2016). This iteration of Peter Parker is the official Spider-Man of the MCU,known for his youthfulness, wit, and the mentorship he receives from Tony Stark. Spider-Man’s encounter with his variants was a pivotal moment inSpider-Man: No Way Home(2021).
InNo Way Home, a multiversal mishap brings together two other Spider-Men from different realities, played by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. These two variants originated from Sony’sSpider-ManandThe Amazing Spider-Manfranchises, respectively. Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, the seasoned veteran, and Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man, still dealing with the trauma of Gwen Stacy’s death,offered unique perspectives that helped Tom Holland’s Peter Parker grow.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Cast
For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the trials and tribulations of being a superhero. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) when his identity becomes a problem for the ones he loves. Unfortunately, when the spell goes wrong, Spider-Man will now have to face off with villains such as Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) as Peter finally comes to terms that he can’t run from being Spider-Man. Supported by his close friends and help from an unexpected place (or multiverse), Spider-Man will go toe-to-toe with some of the most legendary foes in his storied history.
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11Deadpool
Deadpool’s Variants Are Introduced In Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool officially joined the MCU inDeadpool & Wolverine(2024). This marked the character’s integration into the MCU, following the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney. Throughout the movie, Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool encounters numerous variants of himself, especiallyduring the dynamic final battleagainst an army of Deadpools.
TheseDeadpool variants inDeadpool & Wolverineranged from comedic to outright bizarre,each embodying different aspects of the character’s chaotic personality. Deadpool and Wolverine face numerous Deadpool variants in the final confrontation, including Nicepool, Babypool, Ladypool, and Headpool. These were played by several well-known performers, including Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, and Tom Halland’s younger brother, Harry.
Deadpool & Wolverine
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
10Wolverine
Wolverine’s Variants Are Introduced In Deadpool & Wolverine
Wolverine made his much-anticipated debut in the MCU alongside Deadpool inDeadpool & Wolverine(2024). Played by Hugh Jackman, this version of Wolverinebrought the character from Fox’sX-Menfranchise into the MCU timeline. The film also took the opportunity to explore multiple Wolverine variants, as Deadpool explores the Multiverse.
Among theWolverine variants inDeadpool & Wolverine, audiences fans saw a comic-accurate version of Wolverine, who was the same height as the comic book counterpart. Another variant was played by Henry Cavill, while another version from the Age of Apocalypse storyline introduced a darker, more dystopian Wolverine. These variants highlighted the character’s adaptability across different timelines and universes, but more importantly, theyproffered a series of comic-accurate Wolverinesafter years of movies changing his appearance.
9Loki
Loki’s Variants Are Introduced In Loki Season 1
Loki first appeared inThor(2011) and quickly became one of the MCU’s most beloved characters. Loki’s journey into the multiverse began inAvengers: Endgame(2019) when he escaped with the Tesseract,creating a variant of himself that would become the focus of theLokiseries on Disney+. In season 1, the titular character encounters numerous variants of himself, each embodying different aspects of his personality and potential.
The Loki variants include Classic Loki, Kid Loki, and Sylvie, a female Loki variant with her own vendetta against the Time Variance Authority (TVA). The Loki from the series is himself a variant,distinct from the Earth-616 Loki who was killed by ThanosinAvengers: Infinity War(2018). These variants team-up in the thrillingLokiseason 1 finale.
Loki
Loki is a series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following the alternate version of the titular character, Loki, after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Taken by the Time Variance Authority, he must confront his identity and choices while aiding in fixing the disrupted timeline to avert a greater threat.
8Kang The Conqueror
Kang The Conqueror’s Variants Are Introduced In Loki Season 1
Kang the Conqueror, a time-traveling despot, first appeared inAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania(2023), but his story began earlier with a variant named He Who Remains inLokiseason 1. He Who Remains was thelast survivor of a multiversal warbetween Kang variants, and his death at the hands of Sylvie unleashed the multiverse, allowing other variants of Kang to emerge.
InLokiSeason 2, another Kang variant, Victor Timely, is introduced, further expanding the character’s presence in the MCU. The series and the films are building toward a larger narrative involving multiple Kang variants, culminating in the depiction of the full Council of Kangs during the post-credits scene ofQuantumania. This council consists of countless Kang variants, each with their own agenda,showcasing the character’s vast potential as a multiverse-spanning villain.
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7Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange’s Variants Are Introduced In Doctor Strange In The Mutiverse Of Madness
Doctor Stephen Strange, the Master of the Mystic Arts, was first introduced in the MCU inDoctor Strange(2016). His journey through the multiverse took a dramatic turn inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(2022), where heencounters several variants of himself. The film opens with Defender Strange, who attempts to save America Chavez from a monstrous threat but ultimately dies (and is later reanimated through Strange’s dreamwalk).
As the story unfolds, Earth-616 Strange learns of Supreme Strange, a member of Earth-838’s Illuminati who was executed by Black Bolt for his dangerous use of the Darkhold. Another variant, Sinister Strange, embodies the darker side of Strange’s potential, corrupted by his power and ultimately defeated in a battle of wits and magic. Another variant of Doctor Strange wasmentioned inDeadpool & Wolverineas having been pruned and appeared in the Void.
Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness follows Doctor Strange as he navigates diverse and perilous alternate realities in the Multiverse with the aid of mystical allies. Directed by Sam Raimi, this installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces a mysterious new adversary.
6Baron Karl Mordo
Mordo’s Variants Are Introduced In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Baron Karl Mordo, initially introduced inDoctor Strange(2016), begins as an ally to Stephen Strange before becoming disillusioned with the mystical world. Mordo’s MCU variant appears inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(2022), leading Strange to Earth-838’s Illuminati. Unlike his Earth-616 counterpart, who has gone rogue by hunting down sorcerers, this variantholds a position of power and responsibility.
This encounter between Doctor Strange and Mordo’s variant adds layers to Mordo’s character, exploring how different circumstances can lead him down varied paths. The Earth-838 Mordodistrusts Strange and adheres to strict principlesdetermined by the Illuminati. This mirrors the original Mordo’s descent into antagonism, but with a more nuanced approach.
5Christine Palmer
Christine Palmer’s Variants Are Introduced In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Christine Palmer, first introduced as Doctor Strange’s love interest inDoctor Strange(2016), playsa crucial role in grounding the mystical superhero. Her variant inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse ofMadness (2022) offers a new perspective on the character. In the alternate universe designated as Earth-838, Christine Palmer works for the Baxter Foundation, where she specializes in analyzing multiversal threats.
This role places her in direct contact with Stephen Strange and the Illuminati, highlighting her scientific acumen and resourcefulness. The Earth-838 Christine is different from her Earth-616 counterpart, not just in her career but in her relationship with Strange. While there is still a connection between them, it is tinged with the knowledge that they belong to different worlds, andthe devastation Strange’s variants caused in her name.
4Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch’s Variants Are Introduced In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, was officially introduced to the MCU inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier(2014) and quickly became a central figure. Her character’s arc took a dark turn inWandaVision(2021), culminating in her transformation into the Scarlet Witch. This evolution continued inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(2022), whereWanda encounters a variant of herself living in an alternate 2021on Earth-838.
In this universe, Wanda lives a peaceful suburban life with her children, Tommy and Billy. Earth-616 Wanda possesses this variant in her quest to capture America Chavez, using her formidable powers to traverse the multiverse. The possessed Wanda goes on a rampage, killing most of the Illuminati in cold blood. Despite her villainous turn, this variant’s life is ultimatelya tragic reflection of Wanda’s deepest desires- peace and family.
3Peggy Carter
Peggy Carter’s Variants Are Introduced In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Peggy Carter, a founding member of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Captain America’s love interest, made her debut inCaptain America: The First Avenger(2011). A variant of Peggy Carter, known as Captain Carter, appears inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(2022) as part of Earth-838’s Illuminati. This version of Peggy took the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers,becoming her universe’s Captain America equivalent.
Captain Carter’s appearance inMultiverse of Madnessreimagines Peggy’s role within the MCU, allowing her to be the superhero she always had the potential to become. Although her time on screen is brief, her courage and leadership are evident, particularly during her confrontation with the Scarlet Witch. This variant’s inclusion pays homage to Peggy Carter’s legacy andexpands her character’s possibilities within the multiverse.
