With Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 confirmed to be swinging to the PlayStation 5 in 2023, players have returned to the original game with a keen eye for clues that could point towards new heroes or villains for Insomniac Games’ world, with Doctor Strange being one. The fictional version of New York City, seen in both Marvel’s Spider-Man and the spin-off, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, has provided fans with plenty of nods towards favorite allies of the series – as well as hints to hated comic book villains – confirming the existence of a variety of characters. The first landmark players encounter in Marvel’s Spider-Man is the Sanctum Sanctorum – the home of Stephen Strange – which could mean the Sorcerer Supreme is first in line for a cameo in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Marvel’s Spider-Man uses the game world to perfection, filling each block of the well-crafted NYC with subtle, yet understandable Easter eggs for both those hardcore Spidey fans to those with a basic understanding of the characters in the world. One of the best side features of the game is the Landmarks – 47 buildings and structures that can be photographed to earn XP and tokens. While a large selection of these are iconic real-life New York landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Empire State building, others point to fictional structures in the Marvel world, including Avengers Tower and the offices of Nelson and Murdock.
The inclusion of Sanctum Sanctorum in the Greenwich area confirms that Doctor Strange is canon in Insomniac’s Spider-Man world, and with recent films building an alliance and budding friendship between the character and Spider-Man, it would not be out of the question for the Sorcerer Supreme to appear in the sequel. In addition, with the recent focus on different dimensions in films, it would make sense for it to make its way into the gaming world too, with PlayStation’s Spider-Man already in the Marvel multiverse. Although playing as Doctor Strange could create some interesting gameplay mechanics, the sequel would be better off leaving the player in control of Spider-Man and Miles Morales for at least the story portion of the game.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Why A Doctor Strange Cameo Makes Sense
A short teaser trailer was released in September 2021 confirming the upcoming Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and showed off Peter and Miles as they came face to face with Venom, with Kraven the Hunter also narrating. With Venom’s popularity at an all-time high following the successful Tom Hardy-led films, it is interesting to note that Insomniac has also taken inspiration from other Marvel films in preparation for the next game. An MCU concept artist has joined Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 as an art director for the game. While this may not have any bearing on Doctor Strange potentially appearing in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the MCU has already influenced other Marvel adaptations in significant ways, most notably Marvel’s Avengers. Insomniac’s interpretation is best left unique, but Strange and Peter Parker’s MCU team-ups have shown there’s interest in that kind of partnership.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 promises to deliver an even more immersive and exciting experience than the original title, and will apparently be darker in tone. Fans are already aware of the inclusion of villains such as Venom and Kraven in the next title, and would be keen to see the roster of allies and heroes increase too. There’s currently no word on if any other Marvel heroes will join Insomniac’s universe in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, but if any are to appear, then Doctor Strange should be at the top of the list.
