Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness: 10 Biggest MCU Implications
2. Fox's Marvel Properties Are Here
When Disney purchased 20th Century Fox in 2020, there has been a lingering question as to the status of the the X-Men (and Deadpool), alongside the Fantastic Four as MCU integrations.
It was a valid question as unlike Daredevil and Ghost Rider, these movies span a long-running franchise of their own, which predates the MCU.
There were some concerns that the X-Men and to a lesser extent the Fantastic Four would be introduced as always having been a part of the MCU, this would create many unresolved questions as to their whereabouts in earlier instalments. The existing baggage of these franchises would always influence public perception to the MCU incarnations.
In this regard, as Multiverse of Madness' trailers have showcased, Professor Charles Xavier (an Earth-838 variant) appears as a member of the Illuminati that judges Stephen Strange for his crimes against the Multiverse. Another surprise was the long rumoured fancast of John Krasinski as a version of Reed Richards, also sitting amongst the Illuminati as well.
With one fell swoop, the MCU has showcased two different methods in which they could incorporate the Fox Marvel characters, by casting a wholly new version (Reed Richards), or by incorporating elements of an established version (Professor Xavier).