At the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), the good Doctor is visited by a new sorcerer seeking his assistance with an incursion brought forth in the Dark Dimension. This sorcerer is known to comic book fans as Clea, Doctor Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) primary love interest and an exceptional practitioner of the mystic arts.
Clea would be portrayed by Charlize Theron, making Theron one of the many stars to make their debut in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here, we will break down the critical points for why the South African (dual-citizen of America) actress is the perfect choice to stand alongside Doctor Strange in his further adventures, both in a potential sequel and in the upcoming film Avengers: Kang Dynasty (currently slated for May 2nd, 2025, pending any potential delays.)
5 Two Decades of Experience
Charlize Theron has more than 20 years of experience working in film and television, with her debut coming in an uncredited role in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995). Her first credited role would be as Helga Svelgen in 2 Days in the Valley (1995). Theron’s first significant film role would be in The Devil’s Advocate (1997), where she would star alongside Keanu Reeves, acting as a woman who had become afflicted with visions.
As Theron continued to grow into her own talent, she would continue working with high-profile names, such as when she worked with Johnny Depp in The Astronaut’s Wife (1999). Only five years into her career and already making a name for herself in the acting industry, Theron clearly had ambition, and that trait can be seen in her continued high-profile work as her career would continue to flourish, leading her to the casting of the ever-confident Clea.
4 Academy Award Alum
Theron would also go on to win multiple awards, with her most remarkable achievement coming when she portrayed real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster (2003). Playing a woman who had convinced herself that she was doing the right thing by murdering clients she had picked up while selling herself as a sex worker, Theron’s performance would enrapture audiences. This true story performance would be enough for Theron to earn her and first and so far only Academy Award, earning the honor of Best Actress in 2004.
This same performance would earn Theron a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Theron would be nominated for the Academy Award twice more in her career, first for her performance in North Country (2005) and then in Bombshell (2019). The lineage of the Academy Award is essential to the MCU, with the franchise only earning four honors, three of which coming from Black Panther (2018) and the remaining one coming from the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). There has only been one MCU actor to receive a nomination for their performance, this being Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
3 Works with Science-Fiction
While Doctor Strange may lean more into magic, the entire MCU is done in the realm of science fiction action or the superhero subgenre. While Theron’s first sci-fi work would be in The Astronaut’s Wife, she would receive a lead role as the titular character in Aeon Flux (2005). Arguably her most prominent sci-fi role would come as Meredith Vickers in Prometheus (2012).
In this film, Theron was initially set to be the main character, Elizabeth Shaw but had a prior commitment. After returning to the project, Theron would work hard to make Vickers stand out among the cast, acting as a human villain to stand apart from the Engineer that is featured in the film. This ability to stand out and the experience of working with special effects will lend itself well when Clea is in the thick of large-scale battles in the MCU.
2 Over-The-Top Action Star
Now to look at the action side of the MCU coin, Theron has lent herself plenty of experience in this field as well, with her most recognizable role coming as Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Here, Theron would become the leader of a small group of survivors, working alongside the eponymous hero to bring the refugees to a safe haven. Theron also recently joined the notable action franchise Fast and Furious as Cipher, with her debut coming in The Fate of the Furious (2017).
Theron also has experience working in a fantasy action, appearing as Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) and the sequel The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016). While these films weren’t among fans’ favorites, Theron’s experience is still notable as she continued to hone herself into a stature befitting a Queen and is now more capable of playing composed figureheads. While Clea is bold, she is also a grounding figure for Strange when he begins to become overwhelmed.
1 Leading Role Experience
On top of all the wonderful projects we’ve already listed, Theron has worked hard to become a star that is reliable in leading a project to new heights. Whether she overshadowed Tom Hardy’s performance in Mad Max or led a true story retelling of a serial killer in Monster, Theron has displayed a gift for shining whenever the spotlight is cast her way.
While Doctor Strange will likely be the lead character in the inevitable sequel to Multiverse of Madness, Clea will receive a heavy focus to give her a proper introduction. Expect Theron to shine with every second of screen time she is given. Her experience in different genres, different roles, and the lineage of recognized achievements are all reasons she is the perfect choice for this new chapter in the MCU.
