THE UCM just got his second perfect excuse to bring back a Marvel villain that audiences haven’t seen in eight years: Dormammu. First appearing in Doctor Strange (2016), Dormammu was introduced as the ruler of the Dark Dimension, an immensely powerful divine entity who seeks to expand his rule to Earth. The battle between Doctor Strange and Dormammu was unique, and now the villain has the perfect place to return to the MCU timeline in Iron Heart.
Dormammu’s debut highlighted his role as an all-encompassing cosmic villain whose influence could affect the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Doctor Strange seemingly neutralized Dormammu’s immediate threat in 2016, the character’s immense power and mysterious nature make him an ideal choice for a return. Now, as Marvel ventures into the multiverse, Dormammu’s unique ties to mystical realms offer a natural opportunity for a return – an idea Marvel is hinting at across multiple stories.
Doctor Strange 2 created an early excuse to bring Dormammu back in 2022
The seeds for Dormammu’s return were first planted in Doctor’s post-credits scene Stranger in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). This scene introduces Clea, a powerful sorceress who warns Doctor Strange about the consequences of your actions in the multiverse. In the comics, Clea is no ordinary sorceress – she is the niece of Dormammu himself. Her familial connection to Dormammu ties her destiny to the Dark Dimension, and she eventually becomes a key figure in the battles against him.
Clea’s introduction suggests that Dormammu’s story in the MCU may not be over. While Clea and Doctor Strange were last seen preparing to repair an “incursion” into the multiverse, Dormammu’s influence may still linger, ready to wreak more havoc. If the multiverse saga continues to explore cosmic villains and dark dimensions, Dormammu’s familial connection to Clea provides a clear narrative path for his return. This connection also increases Dormammu’s potential as a recurring villain with personal stakes rather than just a cosmic threat.
The Ironheart trailer already presents a new excuse for Dormammu’s return in 2025
THE Iron Heart The trailer released for the 2025 series showcased another intriguing way to bring Dormammu back. In the trailer, viewers get a glimpse of Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, donning his signature red hood and wielding supernatural powers. In the comics, Robbins’ powers are directly linked to Dormammu. His cape, imbued with mystical abilities, originates from the Dark Dimension, courtesy of Dormammu himself. This direct connection between the Hood’s abilities and Dormammu’s kingdom opens up another path for the villain’s return.
The Hood’s inclusion in the MCU Iron Heart indicates that Dormammu’s influence may go beyond the mystical characters we’ve seen so far. If Robbins’ powers in the series maintain their comic origins Iron Heart could explore how Dormammu’s influence leaks into the mortal world through artifacts or human proxies like The Hood. This could establish Dormammu as a pervasive threat within the MCU, someone who doesn’t need to appear in person to impact the story.
Why Dormammu Needs to Return to the MCU
Dormammu’s return to the MCU would be an exciting addition, especially in the multiverse saga. Marvel’s recent run has been filled with characters and stories revolving around the complexities of the multiverse and alternate dimensions, including the ongoing journeys of Loki, Kang, and Doctor Strange. Dormammu’s nature as a being from another dimension would fit perfectly into this exploration of the multiverse. His cosmic powers and connection to dark magic also set him apart from other villains, offering a unique challenge that mixes mystical and cosmic elements.
In addition to the narrative alignment, Dormammu’s return would enrich the MCU’s rogues gallery. Having more recurring villains strengthens the MCU’s long-term narrative, making characters like Dormammu valuable assets. As an ancient and immensely powerful villain, Dormammu can become a recurring threatevolving alongside new heroes and offering new, high-stakes conflicts. His return could allow Doctor Strange and other heroes to face familiar but ever-evolving threats, creating a richer, more interconnected universe.
Bringing Dormammu back would also satisfy those eager to see him fully explored as a character, especially given his minimal screen time in Doctor Strange. His character design, with his dark, hazy face and overwhelming presence, is visually striking and memorable. As the MCU embraces more ambitious visual storytelling in the multiverse saga, a the return to the Dark Dimension could open up exciting possibilities for both the visuals and the plot. With Clea’s connection and The Hood’s involvement in Iron Heartthe UCM now has compelling reasons to bring Dormammu back, potentially cementing him as one of the franchise’s most enduring villains.
Set after Dominique Thorne’s MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel Studios’ Ironheart series follows Riri Williams as she follows in Iron Man’s footsteps as a high-tech superhero and crosses paths with Parker Robbins from Anthony Ramos, also known as The Hood, a magic user. with links to the dark arts. The six-episode Disney+ series is part of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.