Why a Certain ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Villain Now Goes by a New Name

by Josh Ramos · Published January 4, 2022 · Updated January 5, 2022

The multiversal adventure is now the most anticipated film in the Phase Four ledger, and with a plethora of characters making their debut, we discuss why a certain Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness villain now goes by a new name.

Spider-Man: No Way Home set the record books on fire, and gave Marvel their most successful film in 2021 during the final months of the year.

Doctor Strange in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Photo: Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

With the multiverse first being explored during the film, it appears as though its actions will have a rippling effect on the entire MCU; with the now anticipated sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange centrally focused on this same rippling effect.

With the first trailer finally bringing to light several of the new characters to expect for the film, one certainly caught the eye of many fans.

Source: Marvel Studios

The monstrous Gargantos- a starfish-looking monster with a single eye and the strength to fling cars at or protagonist- was first shown to fans and looked as hulking and menacing as ever.

For many comic book fans, however, Gargantos was a name they hadn’t heard of; despite the similarities of the characters to another obscure Marvel comic character.

Source: Marvel Studios

As it turns out, there is a reason why a certain Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness villain now goes by a new name; and the reason is copyright infringement.

Comic book fans will know the one-eyed monster as Shuma-Gorath; yet, with merchandising for the new film affirming Gargantos as his new name, the reasoning came clearer into focus.

After doing some research on ̶G̵a̵r̵g̵a̵n̵t̵o̵s̵/Shuma-Gorath, I get it but I hate it. The name "Shuma-Gorath" was first created by Robert E. Howard for Conan. And yea, that's a WHOLE problem that can be avoided by simply changing the name. UGH that SUCKS. But at least it's him? pic.twitter.com/fw6LvA6qri

— It Was All a Dream, I Used to Read Wizard Magazine (@UpToTASK) January 3, 2022

Twitter user @UpToTASK noted that Shuma-Gorath was actually a name created by Conan The Barbarian author Robert E. Howard.

This led to the disappointment of the very unique and very classic comic book villain going by his new name; with the messy reality that copyright can be, it was better for MArvel to air on the side of caution and create a new identity for the one-eyed villain.