MCU Unveils the Return of a Powerful Villain After 9-Year Absence

Marvel Studios has skillfully hinted at the potential return of an iconic MCU villain, bringing attention to a character who has been absent for nearly nine years. This teaser comes through What If…? Season 3, part of the ongoing exploration of the multiverse that has captivated fans since its inception. Throughout its three-season journey, Marvel Animation’s What If…? continuously reshapes pivotal MCU heroes and villains, offering fresh takes on familiar stories. Although Season 3 concludes its narrative arc, it simultaneously opens doors to exciting possibilities for the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

What If…? Showcases Dormammu’s Potential Returns

Dormammu’s Host Acceptance Explored

In Episode 4 of What If…? Season 3, viewers revisit Howard the Duck and his partner Darcy Lewis, who wed during Thor’s global festivities depicted in Season 1. This season reveals that the couple has produced an egg, highly sought after due to its origin during the Convergence, hinting at its significant destiny. Many familiar adversaries—including the Grandmaster, Malekith, Laufey, Zeus, and Thanos alongside his Black Order—compete for control of the egg, but it is Kaecilius who nearly claims it for Dormammu, the ominous ruler of the Dark Dimension.

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While other characters pursue the egg for selfish motives, Kaecilius aims to use it to provide Dormammu with a tangible host body. This revelation marks the first indication in MCU lore of Dormammu’s capacity to inhabit human forms. Previously depicted simply as an ambiguous entity in the Dark Dimension in 2016’s Doctor Strange, Dormammu’s potential for physical embodiment could become pivotal in future live-action installments.

What If…? Season 3 Fuels Doctor Strange 3 Speculations

Revisiting Mads Mikkelsen’s Kaecilius

In a recent interview with Business Insider, Mads Mikkelsen expressed a willingness to reprise his role of Kaecilius, despite his character’s demise in Doctor Strange. This sparked a compelling theory proposed by Reddit user AlexWFS, suggesting Mikkelsen’s return could manifest in the form of Dormammu’s human avatar. The narrative trajectory of both Doctor Strange and What If…? Season 3 reinforces this possibility, considering Kaecilius’ body was dispatched to the Dark Dimension at the conclusion of the original film, presenting a strategic opportunity for Dormammu to claim a suitable host.

I love them all. The most fun must’ve been “Doctor Strange”because I got to do two things I love: doing magic and flying Kung Fu. Yeah, that one. I wouldn’t mind going back to him. But I have a tendency to die in all the franchises, so it’s going to be hard.

As a devoted servant of Dormammu, Kaecilius aimed to dismantle Earth’s mystical defenses, aligning with the villain’s ambition to integrate all beings into the Dark Dimension. At the climax of Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch’s character ensnared Dormammu in an unending time loop, compelling Dormammu to dismiss his followers from Earth in exchange for his freedom. This development leaves Kaecilius’ form accessible for Dormammu, paving the way for Mikkelsen’s potential comeback as this formidable antagonist.

The Future Necessity of Dormammu’s Human Form in the MCU

Unlocking Dormammu’s Depth

Dormammu stands as a defining force within the multiverse, representing one of the most formidable villains yet to be fully explored by Marvel Studios. While Doctor Strange left fans eager for further insight, the narrative was only deepened with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which introduced Clea, Dormammu’s niece, portrayed by Charlize Theron. Should Doctor Strange 3 delve into her character further, the introduction of Dormammu in a human guise would be not only logical but necessary.

While Dormammu’s raw power is undeniable, his lack of a physical form may hinder audience connection. By embodying Dormammu through a recognizable character form—especially if portrayed by the talented Mads Mikkelsen—the audience can foster a deeper understanding and empathy towards his motives and actions. What If…? Season 3 has deftly set the stage for this narrative evolution, igniting hope that such transformations might emerge in future installments.