Why Didn't Doctor Strange Use a Time Spell to Save the Day in "Avengers: Endgame"?

In the complex world of Avengers: Endgame, one critical question arises: why didn't Doctor Strange use a time spell to go back before Thanos snapped his fingers, instead of using the Infinity Stones? This article delves into the specifics and explores why the Doctor Strange character didn't take this path.

Why Not Use the Time Stone?

The primary reason is a combination of timing and ethical considerations. At the precise moment when Thanos snapped his fingers, Doctor Strange no longer had the Time Stone in his possession. He had given it to Thanos prior, as the Time Stone was one of the essential components for the snap to occur. Additionally, due to the nature of the snap, everyone who disintegrated, including Doctor Strange, was unable to take any further actions.

Doctor Strange's Exploration of Alternate Futures

Doctor Strange's journey on the astral plane showed him over 14 million possible futures, of which only one resulted in the heroes' victory. In the version we see in Endgame, Banner uses the Infinity Stones to undo Thanos' snap from Infinity War, followed by Stark using the stones to defeat Thanos. This was the story the writers wanted to tell, and the creators of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have significant control to write the script as they see fit.

Durant his journey on Titan, Doctor Strange explored numerous potential futures. It's important to note that while he might have found a successful outcome, it was not the one depicted in the film. The Endgame storyline is likely the best possible ending that alignment with the overall narrative and character arcs.

Writer's Choices and the Need for Extraordinary Measures

Marvel Studios made several choices to ensure that the story of Avengers: Endgame would be engaging and impactful. One of these choices was to avoid making reality too easy for the heroes. If Strange had used a time spell to save the day, it might have detracted from the tension and excitement of the ending. It's also important to consider that Avengers: Endgame was originally written to avoid certain comic book elements, such as the Silver Surfer, which were not available for use.

Potential Disadvantages of Time Travel

From a storytelling and practical standpoint, there are several potential reasons why Doctor Strange couldn't use a time spell. First, it might take away the dramatic impact of the confrontation. Second, the act of using the Time Stone to undo the snap could create paradoxes that might have disastrous consequences. Additionally, the snap might be an event that can't be undone, unlike the disintegration of other characters which had more straightforward resolutions.

Doctor Strange's narrative and the broader universe of the Multiverse suggest that tampering with time is a dangerous proposition. The Sorcerer Supreme is wary of interfering with the fabric of reality, as such actions could have catastrophic consequences, potentially leading to the destruction of all reality.

Alternative Theories and Speculation

While the official reasons are compelling, there are a few other theories worth considering: One theory suggests that from a storytelling perspective, having a big, explosive ending is more satisfying than rewriting history. Another posits that the act of using the Time Stone to undo the snap would create a paradox, with two Time Stones in the same reality, leading to unforeseen consequences. It is possible that the snap, a cosmic event powered by the Infinity Stones, is something that can't be undone, despite his efforts. Vision's restoration from the Disassembling Suit (DS) incident was an isolated event, while the snap affected a far larger scale.

Finally, there's the possibility that Strange's journey through time might have revealed a future where using the time stone resulted in a worse outcome, prompting him to act as he did in the film.

In conclusion, the decision by Doctor Strange not to use a time spell in Avengers: Endgame was a deliberate and well-thought-out choice, driven by a combination of timing, ethical considerations, writer's desires, and the broader multiversal narrative. While there are compelling alternative theories, the official explanation aligns with the rich tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.