In Infinity War: What Would Have Happened if Dr. Strange Told Tony Stark?

In the critically acclaimed film Infinity War, Dr. Strange’s decision to withhold certain information from Tony Stark played a crucial role in the narrative. This decision, while initially puzzling, was rooted in strategic and occult considerations. However, what if Dr. Strange had foretold all the possibilities to Tony before the events unfolded? How might the outcome have differed?

The Unforeseen Consequences of William Wilson’s Inscription

Dr. Strange, upon witnessing the strange symbol inscribed on the chest of Dormammu, was compelled to find and interpret its meaning. The inscription, known as the Infinity Sortilege, was a mirror of the unique glimpse he had of the future. According to the film's lore, this inscription is the mathematics of the multiverse, detailing all possible outcomes.

If Dr. Strange had foretold all the possibilities to Tony Stark, the events of the film could have unfolded very differently. Dr. Strange himself mentioned, “If I tell you what’s going to happen, it won’t happen.” This speaks to the concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy or how the mere knowledge of outcomes can alter reality as we know it.

The Impact of Unforeseen Freedoms

Tony Stark’s ego would have undoubtedly played a significant role in how events unfolded. If Dr. Strange had told Tony the full possibilities, it would have set in motion a series of events that might have led to Tony’s self-sacrifice being obsolete. Instead of accepting his fate, Tony might have attempted to find an alternative way to thwart Thanos, believing that his ingenuity and determination could overcome any obstacle.

Dr. Strange might have recognized that Tony’s tried to “Tony Stark” his way around the situation, attempting to bypass the inscribed symbol using his own engineering and tactical prowess. This would have ultimately led to a different series of outcomes, possibly none of which would have been victorious or as tragic as the one we witnessed in the film.

The Necessity of Secrecy

Dr. Strange realized that informing Tony about the detailed possibilities would not yield a positive outcome. Even in one of the paths he foresaw that ended in failure, he kept Tony in the loop to see how it would play out. The result was a resounding failure. Had he continued to keep Tony informed, the likelihood of a successful outcome would have been astronomically low.

Dr. Strange’s decision to withhold information was not a guesswork but a calculated risk. It was based on the understanding that knowledge comes with consequences, and sometimes, ignorance can be a greater strength. By keeping Tony in the dark, Dr. Strange created the environment where Tony’s actions would be more impactful and less likely to be subverted.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Alternate Realities

The decisions made by Dr. Strange in Infinity War highlight the intricacies of alternate realities and the impact of knowledge on outcomes. If he had foretold all the possibilities to Tony, the narrative could have taken a completely different turn. The complexity of multiversal mechanics, the role of ego and the self-fulfilling prophecy all play into the unfolding of such a story. In the end, Dr. Strange’s decision, while seemingly cruel, was a necessary step in the grand tapestry of the Avengers’ saga.