After Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home showcased an overview of the Multiverse, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to do a deep dive into the concept of alternate realities, meaning that there's a good chance that the film will showcase a plethora of cameos. Directed by Sam Raimi, the Doctor Strange sequel brings back Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular Sorcerer alongside Benedict Wong's Wong, Rachel McAdams' Christine Palmer, Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez, and Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch.
The exact plot details of Multiverse of Madness are still shrouded in secrecy, but its first official trailer teased that it will deal with the Multiversal consequences of No Way Home. Based on the film's first official footage, it looks like the fate of not just the universe but the entire Multiverse is at stake, and it's up to the combined efforts of Strange and Wanda to save everyone this time around.
In previous months, the sequel was rumored to include cameos from Fox's Marvel universe, particularly the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. At one point, one rumor even claimed that the Scarlet Witch would go toe-to-toe with "someone from the Fox-verse," but details about her opponent were kept under wraps.
Aside from the Multiverse cameos, the film was also rumored to feature familiar MCU characters such as Loki's Mobius and Sylvie. Now, another interesting tidbit about the sequel has emerged.
Ben Affleck Contacted for Marvel Cameo?
Jeremy Conrad of Manabyte shared that Marvel Studios made an offer to Ben Affleck to return for a short cameo as Matt Murdock in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Conrad also revealed that the cameo would serve as a peek into Affleck's Daredevil universe and close the door on that version of the character. However, the insider pointed out that Marvel wasn't expecting him to sign on for the sequel since the studio felt that he's "too loyal" to Warner Bros.
Big Screen Leaks corroborated Conrad's report, admitting that Marvel sent out preliminary contracts to Affleck's team but is unsure if the cameo was pushed through:
"For obvious reasons, I was asked to keep this a secret but Marvel did indeed reach out to Affleck for a cameo as Daredevil. They sent out preliminary contracts to his team, but I'm not sure if anything came of it."
KC Walsh of Geeks Worldwide also chimed in on the conversation, admitting that he heard the news but wouldn't expect a cameo from Affleck:
"Saw a story that Marvel reached out to Affleck for a Daredevil cameo, this was something I heard as well, but I wouldn’t expect a cameo."
More Marvel Legacy Characters in Doctor Strange 2
It is unknown if this latest Doctor Strange rumor is true, but the consistent reports from various sources could point to its legitimacy.
Ben Affleck made his Marvel debut in 2003's Daredevil, portraying the iconic Matt Murdock who fought off Bullseye and Kingpin. The film underperformed at the box office, and it also received subpar reviews from fans and critics.
Despite that, Affleck's performance was still memorable for some fans. Charlie Cox, who plays the MCU's Daredevil, previously praised Affleck's portrayal, describing it as "fantastic" and admitting that he "stole a lot of stuff" from his performance.
While this is not an indication of his return, Cox's comment could serve as a launchpad for Affleck's potential comeback in Multiverse of Madness, even for a brief appearance.
Back in June 2021, Affleck commented on the possibility of joining the Marvel universe. The Batman actor praised Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige for being a "genius," seemingly hinting that he could be on board with the idea of a return or even a new MCU role.
It remains to be seen if Affleck will indeed return as Daredevil to close that chapter of his career, but many would agree that it would be fitting to see him one last time as the Devil of Hell's Kitchen in an MCU project.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to premiere in theaters on May 6, 2022.
