Multiverse (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

The multiverse is a fictional setting within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise. Based on the setting of the same name from the Marvel Comics, it is a collection of infinitely many alternate realities and dimensions. First explored in the film Doctor Strange (2016), it is revisited in the film Avengers: Endgame (2019) before playing a key role in Phase Four, Phase Five, and Phase Six of the franchise, which constitute "The Multiverse Saga". In the MCU, the Multiverse centers around a single universe called the "Sacred Timeline", whose native Time Variance Authority (TVA) has taken measures to prevent any branching universes from forming. However, following the death of the TVA's hidden overseer, a Kang the Conqueror variant known as "He Who Remains", in the Loki season 1 finale "For All Time. Always.", the Sacred Timeline is broken and an infinite number of universes are formed, and certain residents in the Sacred Timeline gain the ability to travel to different universes.

Many alternate versions of existing MCU characters have been introduced via the multiverse, most notably those of Loki, Peter Parker / Spider-Man, Dr. Stephen Strange, and Kang. The main reality depicted in the MCU is designated Earth-616 in the film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), despite its designation as Earth-199999 by Marvel Comics and outside media. The multiverse has received a mixed response from critics, with praise for its visuals and nostalgic appeal but criticism of its excessive reliance on fan service. The incorporation of characters from non-MCU Marvel films has also generated speculation and discussion among viewers and commentators.