Doctor Strange 2: Every Update You Need To Know

Doctor Strange 2 may not be officially confirmed by Marvel yet, but the MCU sequel is reported to be in development. The first Doctor Strange movie was a reasonable success for Marvel, but it was the appearance of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange in Avengers: Infinity War that really helped fans to warm to the character, and doubtless convinced Kevin Feige that the demand for a sequel was there. A Doctor Strange 2 would likely reunite Cumberbatch with director Scott Derrickson and co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo) and Benedict Wong (Wong).

Last Updated: January 7, 2019

Doctor Strange 2 Is In Development

Although Marvel has been very quiet about its post-Avengers: Endgame slate, it has been reported that Doctor Strange 2 is in development. In December 2018, the trades stated that the film is in the works at Marvel Studios. It had long been assumed a sequel for the Sorcerer Supreme would happen, but this served as confirmation. Although it wasn’t confirmed, the reports suggested the script would be written in 2019 ahead of a 2020 start date.

Read More: Every Phase 4 MCU Movie In Development

Benedict Cumberbatch Will Return As Doctor Strange (Eventually)

It goes without saying that Doctor Strange 2 would need Benedict Cumberbatch back in the main role, and rumor has it that he’ll be getting a large pay rise too. It’s not known what contract he originally signed, but so far he’s starred in two films (Doctor Strange, Avengers: Infinity War), has another on the way (Avengers: Endgame) and cameoed in Thor: Ragnarok. If he signed Marvel’s standard six-movie contract, then Doctor Strange 2 would fall into that, but if he demanded a shorter deal, Cumberbatch could get a serious payday.

Related: Benedict Cumberbatch Would ‘Love’ To Continue Playing Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange’s Main Cast Members Would Be Likely To Return

Benedict Wong is also likely to return as Wong, the master of the mystic arts that was curiously absent for much of Avengers: Infinity War. Doctor Strange director, Scott Derrickson has previously confirmed that Wong will have a strong presence in the MCU going forward, so it’ll be interesting to see Wong’s arc in Avengers 4 and beyond.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is also very likely to return as Mordo, especially since he’s probably one of the main antagonists of Doctor Strange 2.

Scott Derrickson Is Directing Doctor Strange 2

Scott Derrickson struck a precarious balance with Doctor Strange, getting the mystic intrigue and superhero adventure just right. He caused some controversy with his casting of Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One, something he’s since spoken very candidly about, but overall his direction of the movie should be praised. He long expressed an interest in directing Doctor Strange 2, and was said to have signed on to return in the trade reports on the film.

Doctor Strange 2 Would Likely Release In 2021

While Doctor Strange 2 is in development, fans may have a little wait for the movie. 2019 sees the release of Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home, while 2020’s Marvel movies are expected to be Black Widow and The Eternals (with a third not expected to be added). Given the 2020 production rumored, that would mean Doctor Strange 2 is likely to release in 2021 along with Black Panther 2. This is all subject to change, but would seem like a safe bet.

Related: How The MCU Will Look Completely Different After 2019

Doctor Strange 2 Storylines Have Already Been Discussed

Despite the movie being years away, back in March, Doctor Strange scriptwriter, Robert C. Cargill offered information concerning the storyline for any sequel, hinting at Baron Mordo (Ejiofor) and Nightmare being the main antagonists. Derrickson (who wrote Doctor Strange with Cargill) has long spoken of his desire to bring Nightmare – the ruler of the Nightmare Realm and Dream Dimension – into the MCU, and of course, given Mordo’s role in the first film and post-credits scene, it stands to reason that he’ll be involved in some way as well; whether that’s working with Nightmare, or having to work with Strange to defeat him.

Cargill also elaborated on Mordo’s future, saying that Marvel has plans for the character to reach his very definitive ending that happens in the comics. In fact, he talked of taking the villain to “Loki levels of awesomeness,” which will definitely be something worth seeing.

Doctor Strange Played A Key Role In Infinity War

Doctor Strange was a great origins movie for the character, but it was Avengers: Infinity War where Doctor Strange really came into his own, playing a key role not only in that movie, but undoubtedly in Avengers 4, as well.

Strange’s ability to see into the future means he glimpsed over 14 million possible outcomes in the Avengers war with Thanos, but only one where they win. He knew what needed to be done to get to that point, allowing Thanos to win and seeing himself turn to dust to give the survivors a chance of victory. As he told Tony before he disappeared, “there was no other way.” Of course, he’ll be back… somehow.

Related: What Is Doctor Strange’s Plan in Avengers: Infinity War?

There’s No Doctor Strange Trailer or Poster Yer

As Doctor Strange 2 hasn’t been green-lit, let alone started production, there’s unsurprisingly no trailer or poster for the movie yet. Based on Marvel’s track record, you can expect the first look at Doctor Strange 2 to come about half a year before the sequel hits theaters.

OTHER UPCOMING Marvel MOVIES

• Captain Marvel
• Avengers 4
• Spider-Man: Far From Home
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
• Black Widow
• The Eternals