Well, it's Super Bowl time, and everybody knows what that means: it's time for way too many commercials and trailers for anybody to reasonably be expected to keep up with. One of the big trailers just released as part of this celebration of stuff is a new look at Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
This upcoming Sam Raimi-directed sequel is ready to answer a few questions and inspire a whole lot more. It's got everything from weird magic to magical weirdness, and fans of Doctor Strange probably wouldn't have it any other way.
Attempting to give a play-by-play would be an exercise in the very madness this movie seems to revel in, so here are some highlights. For those still catching up, the undoubtedly cameo-filled Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness looks like it will serve as a direct follow-up to both Spider-Man: No Way Home and the Disney+ series WandaVision. Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) now has to deal with the fallout of his reality manipulations during the events of No Way Home, and the trailer gives viewers a good idea of what sorts of effects that foray of his had.
"You opened a doorway between universes," Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong) says to Strange in the preview, "and we don't know who or what will walk through it." This warning is backed by visuals of reality seeming to crumble, with New York City buildings dissolving into floating rubble and terrified crowds running from an unseen threat. Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olson) shows up several times as well, cementing just how important her role will be in the film. Eagle-eyed fans will notice at least one location from WandaVision, teasing some interesting possibilities.
But perhaps the most shocking possible revelation comes about halfway through, when Strange walks into a chamber of sorts in handcuffs and faces an unseen group of imposing people in imposing chairs. Just off-screen, a voice can be heard saying "We should tell him the truth." That voice may sound familiar for a reason, as it could very well be Sir Patrick Stewart himself, famous in the comic book movie world for playing Charles Xavier in the beloved X-Men movies.
But is that actually Stewart, and if so, is he playing Xavier again? It's entirely possible that it's actually him, but as a new character entirely. But at this point, why bring in someone like him with no intention of having him play his own fan-favorite character? Perhaps he's the secret villain teased for this Doctor Strange follow-up. Only time will tell whether that's how things will play out, but everyone has permission to freak out just a little bit in the meantime.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will release in theaters on May 6th.
Source: Marvel Entertainment|YouTube