Why Didn't Doctor Strange Create a Portal and Escape from Thanos's Ship?

When viewing the events leading up to the climax of the Avengers: Endgame, many fans wonder why Doctor Strange didn't simply create a portal to escape from Thanos's ship instead of fighting. The decision to face Thanos in battle was not made lightly, and there were strategic reasons behind it. Let's delve into the reasons why Doctor Strange made the choice to fight instead of escaping.

Timing and Strategy

The primary reason is that it wasn't the right moment to escape. Doctor Strange gained insight into the future using the Time Stone, viewing over 14 million possible outcomes. He identified the only scenario where the heroes could defeat Thanos. If he had chosen to escape, the outcome of the battle in Endgame would have been substantially different and less favorable.

Protection of the Time Stone

At that time, Doctor Strange was one of the keepers of the Time Stone. Escaping would have left the stone vulnerable to Thanos, putting the very fabric of time itself at risk. The Time Stone is a crucial component in the broader conflict, and protecting it was part of his broader strategy to ensure the heroes' success.

Team Dynamics and Sacrifice

Doctor Strange was part of a team of heroes, each contributing their unique skills to the fight. Leaving would have abandoned his allies and diminished their chances of success. Furthermore, his decision to confront Thanos was motivated by a sacrifice for the greater good. He believed that the only way to ensure ultimate victory in the future was to engage Thanos in the present.

Thanos's Power and Uncertainty of Escape

Despite having the ability to create portals, the uncertain outcome of an escape was too risky. Even with a portal, there was no guarantee of safety. There was a risk that Thanos could pursue them or that they would not be able to escape effectively. The strategy involved maximizing their chances of success in the present to secure victory in the future, rather than risking everything on a potentially flawed escape.

Moreover, the Presence of the Infinity Stones played a crucial role. Thanos had five out of the six Infinity Stones, making him an immensely powerful adversary. Under such circumstances, even a group of seasoned heroes, including Doctor Strange, Wanda, and the others, would struggle to stand against him. The idea of transferring everyone to Wakanda was not viable, as it could result in severe injuries, blips, or even fatalities, which would alter the course of the battle.

In conclusion, Doctor Strange's decision to fight Thanos, rather than escaping, was strategic and well thought out. His actions were driven by a combination of timing, the protection of the Time Stone, the importance of team dynamics, and the understanding of Thanos's formidable power. This choice was crucial to the overall outcome of the film and the broader conflict.