Doctor Strange 2 has had a rave review with increasing critical appreciation in the public panorama since its release on May 6, 2022. The Phase 4 Marvel movie has become a focal point of future cinematic talks for its introduction of the disruptive nature of the multiverse, Scarlet Witch as an antagonist, and the extent of her powers, Earth-838, Illuminati, America Chavez, Clea, and Doctor Strange’s third eye.
Also read: America Chavez Theory: Defender Strange Is The Doctor Strange of Her Universe
And now the designer of the film reveals a crucial plot factor that had been skipped over in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The Illuminati was supposed to feature a seventh member but the audience only found 6.
Related article: Doctor Strange 2: Daniel Craig Was Reportedly Cast As Balder the Brave
Who Is Earth-838 Illuminati’s Seventh Member?
The members of the Illuminati, however short-lived made an impression with their debut as the protectors of the realm from higher levels of threat. Founded by Stephen Strange, it comprised Professor X, Captain Carter, Baron Mordo, Mister Fantastic, Blackagar Boltagon, and Captain Marvel.
Also read: Doctor Strange 2 Writer Reveals Biggest Difference Between Illuminati and the Avengers
However, the group was also supposed to feature another member in the form of Thor’s older brother, Balder the Brave. With Daniel Craig having been rumored to play the role, the reports were quickly nullified when no Balder appeared. Graham Churchyard, the costume designer of the film, opens up about the rumors on the Phase Zero podcast:
“We got very far designing Balder the Brave and then we were waiting, and waiting, and waiting on casting. I took it to a prototype stage, we were kind of in that design thing, getting fabrics together and ideas and waiting for an actor.
Poor Balder the Brave, he almost made Thor 1, and Thor 2, and Thor 3, if I can simplify that. Then, it’s just like, ‘Yay! He’s gonna get an appearance!’ Poor guy. I’ve seen designs Marvel’s archive book of Balder’s helmet going back to Kenneth Branagh’s Thor. So, he’s been a long time waiting and I don’t think he’s gonna make an appearance any time soon.”
Also read: Biggest Mistake Marvel Made With Doctor Strange 2 Plot
The Life and Death of MCU Illuminati in Doctor Strange 2
The Illuminati is a covert organization within the Marvel Cinematic Universe comprised of powerful individuals who are considerably brave, smart, and strong even by superhero standards. The MCU organization, although debuted in the movie was quickly and excruciatingly dead within a matter of minutes following the Scarlet Witch’s rampage across universes to find her sons.
Also read: Doctor Strange 3: Every Potential Member Who Could Become The New Illuminati On Earth-838
But even before their death, the group had had quite a dark streak having killed one of their own, Stephen Strange, their founder and Sorcerer Supreme. As the Mad Titan, Thanos, and his goal of bringing balance had loomed on their universe, the sorcerer turned to the Darkhold looking for powers to nullify the threat, and destroyed another universe in the process. Black Bolt had executed him, with the unanimous agreement of the Illuminati.
The Earth-616 Doctor Strange has now been cursed with the third eye after using the Darkhold for its powers. Now representing the wisdom of the sorcerer Agamotto and Vishanti, the eye allows Strange to look into his enemies’ true intentions and break through magical illusions via its higher level of consciousness.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now streaming on Disney+
Source: ComicBook
