While the lineup is altered slightly from the comics, as Iron Man and Black Panther do not feature in the MCU’s Illuminati, the group’s purpose is largely the same. Comprised of the smartest minds in the universe, the faction watches from the shadows, making crucial decisions for humanity, Mutants, and Inhumans. However, the Illuminati serves a very specific purpose in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, meaning they only appear for fifteen minutes or so. An MCU tie-in game could give Marvel fans more time with this group, fleshing out their backstories and telling a story that is canon but does not interfere with the larger MCU.
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Seeing More of The Illuminati from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
While the Illuminati are killed by Scarlet Witch in a very Invincible-like fight sequence, they prove very interesting in the screen time that they do get. The deaths of these heroes ensures that the same versions will likely not appear in future MCU films, but that does not mean that they cannot be touched on in other forms of media.
Tie-in comics and What If…? episodes based on this group are a few routes that Marvel could take, but a video game is another interesting possibility. Following several lackluster licensed games in the first phase of the MCU, the concept of games based on the films was abandoned, but it is something that should be attempted again in the future. The MCU’s popularity has grown to absurd levels in recent years, with billion-dollar films constantly being released and skins for games like Fortnite and Marvel’s Avengers proving successful.
Proper tie-in games for the MCU could be a great way to tell stories that take place in between the films, giving fans more content with their favorite versions of certain characters. While a Doctor Strange video game would be exciting, a Doctor Strange game that focuses on the version from the MCU could be game changing. Marvel fans have grown to care deeply about the live action versions of the heroes, so much so that the versions seen in games are often compared to the ones from the movies. Provided that tie-in games are made with the same love and care as the films, they could be a great way to continue expanding the MCU just like the Disney+ shows have been aiming to do.
The Illuminati from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness would be an excellent place to start experimenting with this idea, as these are heroes that have had long careers that viewers never get a chance to see. The version of Mr. Fantastic played by John Krasinski, for example, mentions Franklin and Valeria Richards - his two children. Seeing him fall in love with Invisible Woman and getting a look at his bond with Franklin and Valeria could make his death all the more tragic, adding a different layer to his interaction with Scarlet Witch once fans rewatch the movie.
Aside from providing a look at what this version of The Illuminati was like prior to its failed attempt to stop Scarlet Witch, the group would provide a lot of gameplay variety. Captain Carter’s jetpack and shield tossing could lead to some fun traversal and combo potential, while Black Bolt’s voice-related powers would be different from anything else players have used in a Marvel game. Mr. Fantastic’s stretchiness could be a joy to wield in a fight, while Professor X’s mind-based powers could give players a way to make enemies hurt each other. Captain Marvel’s sections could essentially provide the Superman game fans have always wanted, too.
While a prequel comic or What If…? episode are undoubtedly safer options, a tie-in game could offer a far longer story that gives fans a lot of time with each member of the Illuminati. Though they only appear briefly to set up the idea of incursions and showcase how strong Scarlet Witch has become, they still proved to be memorable in that time. MCU tie-in games have the potential to flesh out underdeveloped characters like Doctor Strange’s Kaecilus, or tell stories with characters fans want to see more of like the Illuminati. While Marvel games disconnected from the MCU are perfectly fine, embracing the hugely successful franchise through some connected games could be thrilling.
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