Why Didn't Doctor Strange Push Thanos's Soul Out of His Body in 'Infinity War'?

The idea of Doctor Strange pushing Thanos's soul out of his body during the battle in Infinity War raises interesting questions about the character's abilities and the overall stakes. However, it might not have been a practical or feasible strategy for several compelling reasons.

Power Level and Skill

While Doctor Strange is incredibly powerful, Thanos is also a formidable opponent, especially with the Infinity Stones. Given Thanos's strength and mastery over his own powers, it's likely that attempting to separate Thanos's soul from his body would have been extremely difficult. The sheer force and control required to perform such a feat might have exceeded even Doctor Strange's limitations.

Timing and Chaos of Battle

The battle against Thanos was intense and chaotic. Doctor Strange had to make quick decisions in a high-pressure environment. The idea of utilizing a complex spell to separate a soul from a body while fighting a powerful enemy like Thanos would have been risky and might not have been practical in the moment. The timing and strategic needs of the battle required swift and decisive actions rather than intricate spells.

The Soul Stone

Thanos possesses the Soul Stone, which has its own unique properties and could potentially counteract or disrupt any attempts to manipulate his soul. This might have made it even more challenging for Doctor Strange to carry out such a plan. The Soul Stone could act as a defense against Doctor Strange's magic, adding an additional layer of difficulty to the proposed strategy.

Moral Implications

Doctor Strange, while willing to fight to protect the universe, might have hesitated to take such a drastic action. The moral implications of forcibly removing someone's soul and then putting it back could weigh heavily on him, especially considering his character development throughout the films. His decision-making process is deeply rooted in the balance between saving lives and preserving the integrity of the universe.

Victory Conditions

The Avengers were not just trying to defeat Thanos but also to reclaim the Infinity Stones and prevent the destruction he was causing. A more straightforward approach, such as incapacitating him, might have been deemed more practical. The risk of an untested and potentially dangerous strategy was too high, especially when the stakes were so high.

Future Vision

Doctor Strange, in his battle against time, looked into over 14 million possible futures and saw only one in which the Avengers ultimately win. This vision likely influenced his decisions, including why he gave up the Time Stone. He may have believed that the only way to secure a future victory was to let events unfold as they did, knowing that they would lead to the ultimate defeat of Thanos in Endgame.

In summary, while the idea of Doctor Strange pushing Thanos's soul out of his body is an interesting one, the combination of Thanos's power, the chaotic nature of the battle, moral considerations, and Doctor Strange's foresight likely contributed to why such a strategy was not pursued. The decision-making process in such high-stakes scenarios is often guided by a delicate balance of power, strategy, and moral integrity.