"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" Might Have the Most Unique MCU Villain Yet

Updated on 4/26/2022 at 5:35 PM

After years of wondering whether there would be a "Doctor Strange" sequel, the guessing is finally over. The upcoming installment, titled "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness", is set to arrive in theaters this May, and it picks back up on the mayhem of "Spider-Man: No Way Home," which shows Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) cast a spell that disrupts the multiverse. The sequel also brings Strange and The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) from "WandaVision" together to get to the bottom of what the multiverse is all about.

"Doctor Strange 2" was officially confirmed during Comic-Con in July 2019. Billed as a movie that would "play up the gothic" and "the horror," the film is part of the fourth phase of the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. The third Marvel phase ended with the highly anticipated "Avengers: Endgame" released in April 2019. After the multiversal hijinks of "Loki" and "No Way Home," this is shaping up to be one of the most important films in phase four.

Cumberbatch told Deadline that making the "Doctor Strange" sequel was difficult due to filming delays and pandemic restrictions. "It's been tough. I'll be honest with you. It's had quite a journey, this film. But not in a kind of poor me way, just like the nature of where we're at," he said. "It's been tough for everyone. Also, incredibly enjoyable and no less enjoyable than the first one. So, I hope the results are as good, but yeah, I think it can't be underestimated."

Ahead, dig into all the exciting details for the forthcoming sequel, including the cast, release date, trailer, and everything we know about the movie's unique and mysterious villain.

Doctor Strange 2 Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the title character. Other returning cast members include Benedict Wong as Strange's sidekick, Wong; Rachel McAdams as Strange's love interest, Dr. Christine Palmer; and Chiwetel Ejiofor reprising his role as Karl Mordo. Elizabeth Olsen is set to reprise her "WandaVision" role, The Scarlett Witch, and Xochitl Gomez is joining the movie as America Chavez. Patrick Stewart will also appear in an unspecified role.

Doctor Strange 2 Director

Scott Derrickson, who wrote and directed the 2016 "Doctor Strange," was originally set to return for the sequel, however, in January 2020, Variety reported that Derrickson stepped down as director. "Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on 'Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness' due to creative differences," Derrickson later tweeted. "I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP." Sam Raimi has since stepped up as the new director for "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." He previously directed the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man films.

Doctor Strange 2 Release Date

"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is set to premiere on May 6, 2022, following the release of box office hit "Spider-Man: No Way Home." The upcoming film serves as a sequel to 2016's "Doctor Strange."

Doctor Strange 2 Villain

Who will be the villain in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is a little complicated. Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) was an antagonist of Strange's in the first film, and in the new movie, he's going around trying to stop all sorcerers from practicing magic. But because this is a movie about multiverses, it seems that alternate universe versions of Dr. Strange will also be the villain. That means Cumberbatch will be playing hero and villain, making this one of the most intriguing MCU films yet.

Doctor Strange 2 Teaser Trailer

The first teaser for "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" arrived on Dec. 22. Get a first look at the sequel film here.