The power dynamics of characters and their true strengths are never set in stone as each is privy to becoming stronger, if not weaker, as time goes on. This is especially so in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Between movie and series releases, characters are given time to hone their abilities and control their power, regardless of the ways that it manifests. The matter of how the power is used is at the discretion of those who wield it. Growing power is paired with moral and ethical conversations, especially when one character surpasses another in one form of strength. A shift in power dynamics and hierarchy is bound to bring about praise, tension, or something caught in the crosshair between the two.
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The debate about strength and potential match-ups between characters has swarmed conversations in Marvel fan-based communities. The internet is eager to discuss the hypotheticals of pitting two opposing forces against each other for the sake of predicting an outcome. As Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness rapidly approaches release, Marvel fans may see Wanda “the Scarlet Witch” Maximoff face off against Doctor Stephen Strange. Wanda’s true, unhinged Chaos Magic has proven her to be one of the strongest characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, rivaling the former Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange’s power. The inevitable showdown between them — more or less prophesied by Agatha Harkness in the WandaVision finale — is seemingly poised to manifest itself in the sequel to Doctor Strange as the multiverse continues to unleash. Before they clash, the question must be addressed: is Wanda Maximoff stronger than Doctor Strange?
Who is the Current Sorcerer Supreme?
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Doctor Strange was first considered to be the Sorcerer Supreme during the Infinity Saga following his debut into the MCU in 2016 in Doctor Strange. He claimed the title of Sorcerer Supreme as he rose to prominence as a respected Master of the Mystic Arts. Strange declared himself as one of the main protectors of Earth against mystical and magical threats, joining the ranks of the Avengers in later crossover films.
However, Spider-Man: No Way Home denounced Strange of his standing as Sorcerer Supreme on a technicality declared by Wong, turning the title back over to him. This logic roots itself in the five-year interval “blip,” during which Strange was snapped away and dusted from existence by the Mad Titan Thanos during Avengers: Infinity War. What’s more, officially licensed Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness merchandise continues to consider Wong as the Sorcerer Supreme in the MCU. While the role of being the Sorcerer Supreme was never initially a part of Wong’s ambitions, his seniority grants him the experience necessary to be viewed as a suitable replacement. The default decision to turn over the responsibilities of the Sorcerer Supreme to Wong can dually operate as a device of character development for Strange, who still isn’t as prepared to take on the unpredictability of the multiverse as he thinks.
Is Wanda Stronger Than the Sorcerer Supreme?
Marvel Comics has seen a multitude of Sorcerer Supremes across its pages. Doctor Strange may be the most recognizable character to claim the title, thanks to the MCU, but he isn’t the only one who has taken on the mantle. When considering if Wanda is an unfair match for the Sorcerer Supreme, it depends on who is viewed as the Sorcerer Supreme at the time. As previously mentioned, Agatha Harkness made it clear that the Scarlet Witch’s Chaos Magic made her more powerful than the Sorcerer Supreme, who was presumably Strange during the events of WandaVision. While Wanda is said to have a magical advantage over the Sorcerer Supreme, there is incongruence with the types of magic that they use. Her sorcery is founded on Chaos Magic, which tears away at the fabric of reality and dements the fibers of existence. Due to WandVision being Wanda first taste of Chaos Magic, it’s only a sampling of what she is capable of.
Of course, the assumption that Wanda is stronger than the Sorcerer Supreme is a valid conclusion to jump to. Ultimately, it depends on who bears the title of Sorcerer Supreme at the moment, and not the title withstanding alone. It must be taken into consideration that Wong has assumed the position of the Sorcerer Supreme within the current reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, meaning that her confrontations against Strange cannot authentically double as the Scarlet Witch facing off against the Sorcerer Supreme. In order for the battle to legitimately test Wanda strength, she must directly fight and defeat Wong.
Who is Stronger: Wanda Maximoff or Doctor Strange?
Wanda abilities continue to grow as she loses control of herself. Throughout the comics, the full extent of her capabilities has been explored. Her addition to the Avengers, albeit a dangerous move, has proven itself to be one in their favor. Through the pages of the comics, Wanda has destroyed the Avengers, created a new reality, decimated the X-Gene, and has established herself as a Nexus being throughout the multiverse. The MCU toned down the ferocity of the Scarlet Witch upon her introduction in Age of Ultron, but has since offered more elaborate displays of what her power permits her to do. From creating Westview to nearly killing Thanos, Wanda’s Chaos Magic finally comes to fruition as WandaVision concludes on a cautionary cliffhanger.
In terms of approaching the debate from the perspective of analyzing each by their raw power alone, Wanda could be deemed stronger than Strange. There is, however, also the alternative point of view when considering Strange’s amount of self-control, his strategical reasoning, and his intelligence. Where Wanda can be noted for her mystical advantage, Strange is a trained Master of the Mystic Arts. His training provides him with the tools of mentally overcoming his opponents regardless of their power. If Marvel Studios remained undyingly loyal to their source material and featured Wanda mutant heritage, she would present a more daunting threat over Strange mentally and psychically. From a perspective of mental strength, Strange’s composure and vast knowledge of spell-casting would provide an academic edge above Wanda. While he would suffer the loss of physical power, he would triumph in cognitive ability.
