Doctor Strange 2: Behind-the-Scenes Reveal One New Illuminati Character Likely Starring a James Bond Actor

New behind-the-scenes footage of Marvel Studios’ 2022 blockbuster Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness reveal an interesting removal from the film’s massive roster of characters.

Marvel’s most recent attempt at a multiverse film saw Sam Raimi introducing various characters from the Marvel world. This includes superheroes like Reed Richards, Captain Britain and many others being part of The Illuminati of Earth-838.

Leading up to the film’s release, several characters were rumoured to be a part of the Illuminati, such as an Iron Man variant played by Tom Cruise. And new footage reveals the presence of a character from Marvel’s Norse mythology, Balder the Brave.

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The footage in question showcases the famous fight scene, where Wanda takes on The Illuminati all by herself. Among her various victims, the clip reveals a dead character, who seems to have the frame and costume of Balder the Brave.

The character in question also has a sword going through their chest, which seems to suggest that director Sam Raimi might have shot a sequence of Wanda killing off Balder the Brave.

The addition of Balder had long been rumoured, with Sam Raimi favourite Bruce Campbell reportedly playing the part. Other than that, it had also been stated that James Bond actor Daniel Craig was in the running.

This isn’t the only evidence pointing towards Balder’s cameo. In a recent interview with Comicbook.com’s Phase Zero podcast, costume designer Graham Churchyard had also shared that there were plans to showcase the character in Doctor Strange 2. Moreover, Churchyard had also claimed that the character was in the mix to be a part of the MCU since the original Thor. “Poor Balder the Brave, he almost made Thor 1, and Thor 2, and Thor 3, if I can simplify that. Then, it’s just like, ‘Yay! He’s gonna get an appearance,’” said Churchyard. “He’s been a long time waiting, and I don’t think he’s gonna make an appearance any time soon.”