Doctor Strange's last on-screen appearance was in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but actor Benedict Cumberbatch says another appearance by the wizard is coming soon.
Cumberbatch made his first appearance as brain-surgeon-turned-wizard Doctor Strange in 2016. Marvel fans fell in love with Cumberbatch's portrayal of Strange in subsequent magical adventures, including 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, and 2021’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Although a Doctor Strange 2 post-credits scene hinted that Strange will return, fans weren’t expecting to see the doctor any time soon.
However, fans might not have to wait too long to see Doctor Strange again. In a recent interview with the JW3 Speaker Series, Cumberbatch hinted at his part in a movie set to start filming in 2024, saying, “There are some Marvel capers in the making next year.” Cumberbatch has already expressed interest in reprising his role as Doctor Strange in future films, but he didn’t specify what the 2024 project is. Fans are left speculating whether Cumberbatch is returning for another Doctor Strange film or as part of an ensemble.
The possibility for another standalone Doctor Strange film was already established in the post-credits scene of Multiverse of Madness. The scene introduced Charlize Theron as Clea, a sorceress from the dark dimension and niece of Dormammu. Comic fans will also recognize Clea as the love of Strange's life. The brief meeting at the end of Multiverse of Madness sets up future Doctor Strange adventures when Clea tells him that he’s created an incursion and they need to fix it.
Writer Michael Waldron says it’s the perfect time to introduce Clea to the story since Steven Strange's romantic story with Christine Palmer ended in The Multiverse of Madness. According to Waldron, Strange has grown enough that he’s finally ready to meet Clea and start a new relationship.
Still, the project could be another ensemble film or a brief Doctor Strange cameo, like his appearance in Thor: Ragnarok. While Doctor Strange's next appearance could be in any upcoming Marvel project, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is perhaps the most likely film fans will see Cumberbatch's return. Another potential candidate for Strange's return is in the Disney Plus show Agatha: Coven of Chaos because of the connection with the Scarlett Witch. Fans will have to wait for more details, but Cumberbatch promises the wait won't be too long.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is available on Disney Plus.
Source: JW3 Speaker Series