Reed Richards in Doctor Strange 2: The Smartest Man Misjudges

In the film Doctor Strange 2, Reed Richards, the protagonist's old ally, appears in a dramatic scene where underestimating Wanda Maximoff leads to his startled defeat. This unexpected plot twist raises an intriguing question: If Reed Richards is supposed to be the smartest man in the world, then why was he so dumb and useless in Doctor Strange 2?

Context of the Scene

The scene unfolds during a high-pressure, chaotic situation where Reed and a team of powerful heroes underestimate Wanda Maximoff. Despite their confidence in their abilities, they had overlooked the true extent of her power due to a common trope in superhero narratives: the underestimation of powerful villains.

Underestimation of Wanda

Reed's decision to confront Wanda and attempt to reason with her is a classic example of this trope. In superhero stories, heroes sometimes wrongly assume they can talk down or defeat a villain through reasoning, even when the villain possesses significant and unpredictable powers. In this case, Reed's confidence in his knowledge and reasoning capabilities led him to underestimate Wanda.

Narrative Function

Reed's role in the film serves a crucial narrative function. His swift defeat underscores the idea that Wanda is a significant and formidable threat, therefore intensifying the stakes of the conflict. This portrayal emphasizes how the multiverse can alter the dynamics of power and influence, making it more relatable and impactful for viewers.

Character Development

The portrayal of Reed Richards in Doctor Strange 2 may be influenced by the filmmakers' intention to establish a specific tone or narrative direction for the multiverse. His brief and swiftly defeated appearance limits the time and space for a deeper character exploration. This limited depiction can contribute to the perception of him being a different version of the character from his primary universe.

Different Versions of Characters in the Multiverse

In the multiverse context, characters can vary significantly from their primary universe counterparts. Reed Richards, who is traditionally depicted as a genius in the comics, may be portrayed differently in Doctor Strange 2. The specific circumstances and choices he makes in that universe can lead to his quick demise, questioning the extent to which his intelligence can ensure success.

Smartness vs. Wisdom and Omnipotence

While Reed Richards is often depicted as the smartest man in the universe, his appearance in Doctor Strange 2 challenges this trope. The film highlights that smartness does not equate to wisdom or omnipotence. Reed's actions in this movie reflect the limitations of his intelligence when faced with new and unpredictable threats.

Moreover, Reed's knowledge was based on outdated or poor information, leading to his misjudgment. His version in this universe may also be particularly arrogant, possibly influenced by the arrogance of the Illuminati, further affecting his judgment and decision-making.

Conclusion

The scene in Doctor Strange 2 with Reed Richards underlines the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of evolving threats. While Reed is traditionally portrayed as the smartest man in the world, his actions in this movie demonstrate the complexities of intelligence and the importance of staying vigilant.