The enigmatic Baron Mordo, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, remains a compelling figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, despite his absence from recent narratives. While a variant appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the destiny of Earth-616’s Mordo, last seen embarking on a mission against sorcerers, is still shrouded in mystery. This article delves into the unresolved plot threads surrounding Doctor Strange Baron Mordo, exploring his potential actions and future within the MCU, particularly concerning a possible return in Doctor Strange 3.
What Earth-616 Mordo Has Been Up To Since Doctor Strange?
Following the events of 2016’s Doctor Strange, Baron Mordo’s post-credit scene established a clear trajectory: he was dedicated to purging the world of magic users he deemed corrupt. This crusade was fueled by his disillusionment with the Ancient One’s use of Dark Dimension energy and Doctor Strange’s manipulation of the Time Stone. Mordo’s actions, exemplified by his draining of Jonathan Pangborn’s power, suggested a morally grey area, targeting sorcerers he perceived as violating the natural order.
It’s reasonable to assume that Mordo has continued this pursuit, diligently hunting down and stripping power from those he considers misusing magic. His survival of Thanos’ snap, confirmed by Ejiofor, allows for a significant period of off-screen activity between Doctor Strange and Multiverse of Madness. During this time, Mordo could have become a considerable force, amassing power as he eliminates perceived threats. However, neither Doctor Strange nor Wong, the current Sorcerer Supreme, seemed overly concerned about Mordo’s endeavors during the Scarlet Witch’s attack on Kamar-Taj in Multiverse of Madness. This lack of immediate concern raises questions about the effectiveness or scale of Mordo’s activities, or perhaps indicates a different kind of threat is brewing that overshadows Mordo’s actions. Despite this, the increasing instability of the multiverse and the threat of incursions could provide the perfect backdrop for Mordo’s return, as he might see these events as further evidence of magical corruption needing his intervention.
Doctor Strange 2 Almost Sealed Mordo’s Fate
While Mordo’s current whereabouts remain ambiguous, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness almost definitively concluded his storyline. Concept art revealed a planned scene where the Scarlet Witch would have killed Mordo. This confrontation would align with Mordo’s established principles, as the Scarlet Witch, corrupted by the Darkhold and wielding chaos magic to traverse the multiverse, would undoubtedly be seen as a prime example of dangerous magical misuse.
Ultimately, this scene was cut, leaving Mordo’s fate open and preserving the potential for his return. Eliminating Mordo in Multiverse of Madness might have been a narratively convenient way to tie up a loose end, but keeping him alive offers richer storytelling possibilities, especially in the context of Doctor Strange’s ongoing journey and the expanding scope of the MCU’s magical threats. The animosity between Strange and Mordo remains a compelling dynamic that deserves further exploration.
Doctor Strange 3: A Prime Opportunity for Mordo’s Return and Dormammu’s Influence
Despite being sidelined in the sequel, it is far from too late for Mordo to reclaim a central role in the MCU, particularly in a potential Doctor Strange 3. The conclusion of Multiverse of Madness saw Doctor Strange venturing into the Dark Dimension with Clea to confront an incursion linked to Dormammu, the formidable antagonist from the first Doctor Strange film. This re-introduction of the Dark Dimension and Dormammu opens exciting avenues for Mordo’s narrative.
Dormammu’s return could be intricately tied to Mordo’s fate. In the comics, Dormammu often takes on a more humanoid form. If the MCU chooses to adapt this, Dormammu might require a host to manifest physically. While Kaecilius, Dormammu’s former zealot, might seem like an obvious choice, Mordo presents a more dramatically compelling option. Dormammu, indifferent to Mordo’s intentions, could forcibly possess him, using Mordo as a vessel in the prime dimension.
This possession storyline could serve multiple narrative purposes. It could propel Mordo further into villainy, twisting his righteous crusade into something far more sinister under Dormammu’s influence. Conversely, it could pave the way for a complex redemption arc for Mordo. Overcoming Dormammu’s control could force Mordo to confront his own rigid beliefs and potentially lead him towards a path of healing and a more nuanced understanding of magic and its users. Whether as a pawn of Dormammu or a figure grappling with demonic possession, Mordo’s involvement in a Dormammu-centric Doctor Strange 3 promises a captivating and impactful storyline.
In conclusion, the story of doctor strange baron mordo remains unfinished and full of potential. His actions after Doctor Strange are largely unknown, his near-death in Multiverse of Madness was averted, and the looming threat of Dormammu and the Dark Dimension provides a perfect stage for his re-emergence. Mordo’s future in the MCU holds significant promise, offering opportunities for complex character development and exciting narrative turns within the ever-expanding magical realm of Doctor Strange.
