Multiverse (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Multiverse
Marvel Cinematic Universe location
Top: The MCU multiverse, depicted as a sprawling branch of various timelines, in the first-season finale of Loki (2021) Bottom: The MCU multiverse, now depicted in the form of a Yggdrasil-like tree, in the second-season finale of Loki (2023)
First appearance	Doctor Strange (2016)
Based on	Multiverse by Marvel Comics
Adapted by	Jon Spaihts Scott Derrickson C. Robert Cargill
Genre	Superhero fiction
In-universe information
Type	Multiverse
Locations	See below

The multiverse is a fictional setting within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise. Based on the setting of the same name from the Marvel Comics, it is a collection of infinitely many alternate realities and dimensions. First explored in the film Doctor Strange (2016), it is revisited in the film Avengers: Endgame (2019) before playing a key role in Phase Four, Phase Five, and Phase Six of the franchise, which constitute "The Multiverse Saga". The MCU's Multiverse centers around a single universe called the "Sacred Timeline", which the Time Variance Authority (TVA) works to prevent any branching universes from forming. Following the death of "He Who Remains", the Timeline's secret overseer at the hands of Sylvie, the Multiverse is freed and an infinite number of universes are formed. This leads to a variant of Loki from 2012 taking his place.

Many alternate versions of existing MCU characters have been introduced via the multiverse, most notably those of Loki, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Kang the Conqueror. The main reality depicted in the MCU is designated Earth-616 in the film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), despite its designation as Earth-199999 by Marvel Comics and outside media. The multiverse has received a mixed response from critics, with praise for its visuals and nostalgic appeal but criticism of its excessive reliance on fan service. The incorporation of characters from non-MCU Marvel films has also generated speculation and discussion among viewers and commentators.