‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’ Will Be The First “Scary MCU Film” [Comic-Con 2019]
Doctor Stephen Strange was dusted by Thanos at the end ofAvengers: Infinity War, but we didn’t need the events ofAvengers: Endgameto know that the master of the mystic arts would be back. Late last year,it was reportedthat directorScott Derricksonwould return forDoctor Strange 2. Naturally, this also meant the return of a (living) Doctor Strange, once again played byBenedict Cumberbatch.
But now, Marvel Studios has made it official. The first proper sequel toDoctor Strange(aside from the character’s appearances inEndgame,Infinity War, andThor: Ragnarok) is on the way – the incredibly namedDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Here’s what you need to know.
What can we expect from theDoctor Strangesequel? According to returning director Scott Derrickson, this will be Marvel’s first horror movie, loaded with psychedelic weirdness and villains from other dimensions and worlds. “He doesn’t fight villains from this Earth,” Derrickson told the crowd at SDCC, adding that rather than just doing “another sequel”, he wanted to make “the first scary MCU film.” Something loaded with gothic horror.
Derrickson comes from a horror background, having directedThe Exorcism of Emily Rose,Sinister, and more. Having him make Marvel’s first full-blown horror movie should work out nicely.
Of course, Benedict Cumberbatch will once again don that magic cape. Cumberbatch was there, too, saying that theMultiverse of Madnesstakes “a crazy line into horror,” but will also maintain the humor from the first movie. “He’ll be facing unexpected things,” Cumberbatch said, while “not knowing what’s coming at him.” Strange’s usual authority as seen in other films will be turned against him as evil forces “try to destroy him.”
In addition to all of that, Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) will have a major role in the film, too.WandaVision, the upcoming Marvel Disney+ show focused on her character, will tie directly intoDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Because that’s how Marvel works, folks.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswill hit theaters onMay 7, 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at#SDCC, Marvel Studios' DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS with Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen. Scott Derrickson returns as director. In theaters July 10, 2025.pic.twitter.com/HtF68htiB1
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios)July 21, 2025
