Doctor Strange 2 ending explained: Is [SPOILER] really dead?

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness shocks, stuns and shakes fans with its conclusion, but have we really seen the last of this major Marvel character? Major spoilers ahead.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness does not hold back in any way. Directed by Sam Raimi, the sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange sees Benedict Cumberbatch reprise the title role for sixth time in live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe projects (and seventh overall), bringing the Sorcerer face-to-face with the dangers of the multiverse.

Another character it brought him face-to-face with was Wanda Maximoff, who he had fought side-by-side with against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, as she too was brought into the multiversal mayhem.  But this interaction between the two was very different from what came before.

Warning: This post contains major spoilers from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so if you haven’t seen it and would like to have it remain unspoiled, we advise you not to read on.

Doctor Strange 2 ending explained

The conclusion of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness saw Wanda Maximoff realize that her grim evolution into the Scarlet Witch had corrupted her beyond recognition. This became clear to her when alternate versions of her sons, Tommy and Billy, were terrified of her. And as a result, she vowed to destroy the Darkhold across all universes.

As she did so, however, Wundagore Mountain collapsed in on her, leaving her fate up in the air. But have we truly seen the last of her?

Is Wanda dead after Doctor Strange 2?

At the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it is heavily implied that Wanda’s sacrifice resulted in her death, with Stephen Strange admitting that the Scarlet Witch was “gone”. However, “heavily” seems like too strong of a word choice because, once the moment comes and goes, the film is quick to move on from it, focusing instead on Strange and Wong’s attempts to rebuild Kamar-Taj, with America Chavez joining them.

With that in mind, and the fact that we didn’t actually see Wanda die on-screen, there is a strong possibility that she will resurface down the line. After all, why would Marvel Studios kill off the character after she finally graduated to a main character status and followed in the footsteps of her comic book counterpart.

Nevertheless, Wanda’s fate is uncertain at the moment and it could remain that way for some time. Here’s hoping that Marvel is quick to provide us with answers and that Elizabeth Olsen returns to the MCU in the not-too-distant future.

Do you think Wanda Maximoff is still alive after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? What did you think of Doctor Strange 2? Let us know in the comments below!