Why Did Doctor Strange Make Everyone Forget Peter Parker?

In The Blur, Mysterio exposed Spider-Man to the world, revealing his secret identity. This caused chaos for Peter Parker, putting his friends and those he cares about in danger. It also disrupted his academic life, now that everyone knows he is the superhero.

Why Forget Peter Parker?

One might think that a better solution would be to make everyone forget Peter's existence rather than just his secret identity. This would eliminate the need for his friends to hide their actions, allowing them to continue with their studies and personal development. It would also be a more dramatic turn of events, adding another layer of complexity to the story.

Doctor Strange's Arrogance as a Flaw

Doctor Strange, driven by his arrogant and selfless personality, decided to make everyone forget Peter. According to the plot, Strange, with Wong's help, cast a powerful spell that erased Peter's existence from everyone's memory. His arrogance was the driving force behind this decision, both to prove his superiority and to secure his own position as the Sorcerer Supreme.

Arrogance and the Space Shuttle Challenger Incident

This arrogance is eerily similar to the attitude that led to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The incident, which resulted in the death of seven astronauts, was caused by a combination of poor decision-making and a culture of complacency. Astronauts and engineering teams were aware of the increased risks associated with the launch, but they continued to push for a launch date because they had previously managed to launch successfully despite the same risks.

Doctor Strange's decision to cast the spell without fully considering the consequences mirrors this pattern. Although he knew the risks and had used the spell before, he believed he could use it again without any repercussions. His focus on proving himself to Wong overshadowed the potential outcomes for Peter and those around him.

The Plot-Driven Stupidity of Doctor Strange

While this decision was driven by the demands of the plot, the writers brilliantly integrated it into the story to align with Strange's character. Strange is a powerful sorcerer and an academic, so his reaction to being surpassed by Wong would be a mix of anger and a desire to outshine him in any way possible. This fits well within the narrative and showcases Strange's arrogance and self-interest.

How Strange's Knowledge and Arrogance Led to the Mistake

Strange knew the potential consequences of the spell, as did Wong. He understood that this was a complex, world-altering spell with significant risks. Wong specifically warned him about the dangers, and Strange should have taken this into account. Peter, being a seventeen-year-old teenager with impulsive tendencies, also makes this a risky endeavor.

Instead of taking the time to consider the full implications, Strange rushed into the spell, casting it before fully understanding all the potential outcomes. He failed to properly warn Peter about the consequences and initiated the process when the spell was already in an unstable state. This highlights not only Strange's arrogance but also his lack of foresight and responsibility.

While the inciting incident was driven by the plot, the execution made Strange's character more nuanced and relatable. His actions show the dangers of unchecked arrogance and ambition, themes that are relevant beyond just the superhero genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Doctor Strange's decision to make everyone forget Peter Parker was a result of his own arrogance and desire to impress Wong. This choice not only jeopardized Peter's identity but also put his friends and academic life at risk. The decision, while plot-driven, serves to enhance the character of Doctor Strange and the thematic elements of the film.