Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The recently released Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness thrust fans into a wild world full of powerful sorcerers, heroes, and villains. The instant classic continues Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an epic way, depicting well-written story arcs for the fan-favorites Doctor Strange and the Scarlet Witch, and introducing formidable newcomers like America Chavez.
The most powerful among them are able to showcase their mind-bending abilities – both magical and combative – in the two-hour movie, especially during its often gruesome action sequences. While some of the strongest characters like the of the Illuminati or America herself have displayed the impressive extent of their abilities in Marvel Comics, they will only be judged based on their actions in Doctor Strange 2, which means none of them so far can compare to the impressive powers of the Scarlet Witch.
Christine Palmer
One of the earliest shocking scenes in Doctor Strange 2 happens when fans meet Earth-838's Christine, who soon proves that she's an unbelievably brave alternate-reality character. She doesn't have any powers, but has done important work for the Baxter Foundation, as she's responsible for studying the multiverse and containing potential threats, which unfortunately include America and Earth-616's Doctor Strange.
She may not have magical abilities, but she doesn't hesitate to protect America despite the terrifying Scarlet Witch heading her way. It's not too hard to imagine a version of Christine with superpowers somewhere out in the multiverse, as, combined with her fearlessness, she would surely be an unstoppable force.
Wong
Wong has said some of the funniest lines in the MCU, but he has also shown that he can be a serious fighter when the fate of the world depends on it. His abilities are on full display during the attack on Kamar-Taj and when he attempts to stop the Scarlet Witch from Dreamwalking.
That said, his powers are mostly used in a defensive way, and even his position as the Sorcerer Supreme will likely eventually be challenged by Doctor Strange. He may be able to train and guide his students to fight against the Scarlet Witch, but on his own, it's clear that he would lose in an individual match against her, Doctor Strange and his variants, and possibly even America.
America Chavez
America takes the shocking moments in Doctor Strange 2 in stride, which is an irable feat considering how she hasn't had anyone to properly guide her through the wild multiverse after being ripped from her parents in her home. For most of the film, it's easy to see that she doesn't have a good grasp of her abilities, which are powerful enough that the Scarlet Witch would risk destroying entire universes to acquire them.
By the end of it, though, and with a bit of encouragement from Doctor Strange, America's belief in her powers gives audiences a taste of what she's truly capable of. Her multiverse-ripping punch knocks some sense into the Scarlet Witch, who finally stops wreaking havoc after seeing the monster she has become. At this point in her story arc, America likely doesn't have what it takes to defeat Doctor Strange or his variants, but there's no telling how much stronger she will become in the future.
Defender Strange
Although viewers only see Defender Strange during the opening sequence, it's easy to infer that he has been through a lot in his own universe to get to the Book of Vishanti. Wong mentions at one point that it "is said to be unreachable," so America and Defender Strange had to fight to make it there.
Of course, unlike Earth-616's Doctor Strange, Defender Strange is unable to take down the creature sent by the Scarlet Witch despite using the full extent of his abilities. He's the weakest variant of Doctor Strange in the movie, but it's worth noting that it's his corpse that makes it possible to defeat the Scarlet Witch in the end.
Sinister Strange
Although it was hard to top the brutal action sequence with the Illuminati, Sinister Strange's introduction ensured that fans would leave theaters with another memorable fight scene in mind. It's a treat to watch Sinister Strange show his magical abilities through classical music, as he has a showdown with Doctor Strange using Johann Sebastian Bach's pieces.
It's not an easy battle, as Sinister Strange has the advantage of the Darkhold's power, which is what led to the destruction of his universe in the first place. He also confesses that he did some "Stephens a favor" by invading their universes and murdering them, motivated by his belief that there's no universe where any version of Stephen Strange could be happy.
The Illuminati
Most of the cameos in Multiverse of Madness happen during Doctor Strange's time with the Illuminati. The powerful group is made up of Mordo Supreme, Black Bolt, Captain Marvel, Captain Carter, Reed Richards, and Professor Charles Xavier. It's a shame that audiences spend so little time with them, as when Doctor Strange and America arrive in their universe, the Scarlet Witch isn't too far behind.
What fans do know is that just like the Avengers, the Illuminati manage to defeat the Titan Thanos, while also disposing of their Stephen Strange in the process. What they've achieved does prove that they're a mighty force, but it's worth noting that they feel the need to protect themselves and their universe from any version of Doctor Strange. They also put up a good fight against the Scarlet Witch, but fall one by one in jarringly brutal ways eventually.
Doctor Strange
If there's one thing that fans learn along with America and Christine about Earth-616's Doctor Strange, it's that he's not like the other Stephens. He understands that his powers mean nothing if he doesn't make the right decisions, and he makes the most crucial one towards the end that puts an end to the Scarlet Witch's rampage.
Throughout Doctor Strange 2, he shows viewers how he can masterfully use his powers to Dreamwalk using a corpse to go against the Scarlet Witch, while also controlling the Souls of the Damned. He's also strong enough to best Mordo in hand-to-hand combat, which he brilliantly baits the villain into in the nick of time. He may never be able to match the Scarlet Witch based on power alone, but it's his quick thinking and genuinely good intentions that help him gain the upper hand in the end.
Scarlet Witch
Without a doubt, the most powerful character in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the Scarlet Witch herself. Fans see exactly what she means when she says her initial attempts at reaching America were examples of her being reasonable soon enough. She can control and even kill people by getting into their minds, Dreamwalk across the multiverse, use reflections to her advantage, and more.
She wields her magic in a way that no other superhero in the MCU so far has been able to, and at some points, it seems she doesn't even have to use her full power to beat formidable opponents like Earth-838's Captain Carter and Captain Marvel. It makes sense that in the end, the only person who could truly put a stop to her murderous quest is herself, as although America helps her realize how horrific her actions are, she likely could've ripped apart the multiverse if she hadn't decided to stop and destroy the Darkhold then.
