Mind-Blowing Revelation: Loki Season 2's Unexpected Villain Resurrects a Forgotten Phase 3 Icon in the MCU

Summary

Loki season 2 will feature a new villain, Zaniac, whose story is tied to Doctor Strange's first MCU antagonist, Dormammu.

Loki's latest adversary in the comic series is a malevolent being originating from the ominous Dark Dimension. This entity, sent by Dormammu, possesses individuals on Earth as its hosts.

The introduction of Zaniac in Loki season 2 and the inclusion of Clea in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness indicate that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is paving the way for Dormammu's comeback and the exploration of the enigmatic Dark Dimension in Phase 6.

In Loki season 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a new villain is introduced who is connected to Doctor Strange and a powerful Marvel character. While Kang the Conqueror will play a role in the show, it is suggested that his presence may not be significant due to the overarching storyline leading to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. Consequently, Loki and Mobius will encounter other challenges throughout the season, including the formidable Marvel villain known as Zaniac.

The trailer for Loki season 2 showcases the reunion of Loki and Mobius, who embark on an investigation. However, the transformed state of the Time Variance Authority (TVA) after Sylvie's actions remains unclear. Furthermore, the line between alternate timelines and alternate universes has become increasingly blurred following the events of Loki season 1. Consequently, it is uncertain to what extent Loki will deviate from the MCU's Prime Timeline solely based on the trailer. Nevertheless, a crucial moment in the trailer confirms the presence of Zaniac as one of the season's villains, with a storyline that intertwines with an important character from the MCU.

How Loki Season 2's New Villain Links To Doctor Strange

Zaniac, the villain in Loki season 2, is connected to Dormammu, the first antagonist in Doctor Strange's MCU journey. In the comics, Zaniac is the name taken by one of the hosts of a demonic entity from the Dark Dimension. This host transforms into a werewolf-like monster, drawing inspiration from a horror movie called "Zaniac." The demon, initially sent by Dormammu, becomes Marvel's in-universe version of Jack the Ripper, infamously assassinating multiple women. Whoever becomes the demon's host acts as an extension of Dormammu's will, while still retaining some agency.

For Loki season 2, Brad Wolfe is adapting one of the hosts chosen by this demon throughout the decades. This demon adopts the name Zaniac while possessing Brad Wolfe's body, named after the movie title Wolfe was working on. Subsequently, Wolfe is involved in a nuclear explosion that further transforms him into a monstrous form. It remains uncertain whether previous hosts of Zaniac will be referenced in Loki season 2. However, including Zaniac in the series is logical as the character originally appeared as a villain in Thor's comic books. Additionally, Zaniac was featured in the same comic book where the TVA was introduced.

Zaniac Could Revive Dormammu After The MCU Misused Him

Dormammu should be recognized as one of the most underutilized villains in the MCU. As one of the Marvel universe's most formidable beings, Dormammu made his debut on the big screen in Doctor Strange (2016). The film strongly emphasized the connection between Dormammu and the Dark Dimension, portraying the villain as almost synonymous with this mystical realm. Unlike other villains in the movie, Dormammu did not have a physical form, with Mads Mikkelsen's Kaecilius taking on the role of the film's primary antagonist. Despite the cleverness of Doctor Strange's iconic "I've come to bargain" moment, the resolution to Dormammu's story in the MCU was ultimately unsatisfying.

It is worth noting that even after nearly a decade within the Marvel universe, one of its most powerful and malevolent villains is still bound by a bargain struck with a hero. The absence of Dormammu from the MCU following Doctor Strange is especially perplexing, considering that both Stephen Strange and the Time Stone were absent for a five-year period. It would have been reasonable for the MCU to reveal that Dormammu was no longer concerned about Strange's presence and reintroduce the villain in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, it is still possible for Marvel to unveil the return of Dormammu. Furthermore, the introduction of Zaniac in Loki season 2 could serve as a means to reintroduce the concept of the Dark Dimension, potentially setting the stage for Dormammu's resurgence.

Doctor Strange 3 Could Bring Back Dormammu

The post-credits scene in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" introduces Clea, portrayed by Charlize Theron. In the comics, Clea and her entire family are connected to the Dark Dimension, with Dormammu serving as her uncle. It remains uncertain how this dynamic will be portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but there is a definite link between Clea and Dormammu in "Doctor Strange 2". Clea warns Doctor Strange about an Incursion caused by the superhero and subsequently opens a portal to the Dark Dimension. It is possible that this Incursion poses a threat to Dormammu's dimension, leading the villain to abandon his agreement to leave Earth untouched.

"Doctor Strange 2" was more of a movie centered around the multiverse rather than focusing solely on Doctor Strange. In fact, the film's main antagonist was Scarlet Witch, rather than a traditional Doctor Strange villain. As a result, "Doctor Strange 3" should shift its focus back to Stephen Strange and his mythos, whether it takes place before or after events like "The Kang Dynasty" and "Secret Wars". With the introduction of Clea in "Doctor Strange 2" and the inclusion of Zaniac in "Loki" season 2, it seems that the MCU is setting the stage for Dormammu's return in Phase 6. Interestingly, a mention of Dormammu in "Loki" would help connect the explanation of the multiverse in "Doctor Strange" (2016) with how the concept is currently being utilized in the MCU.