New Doctor Strange 2 Plot Synopsis Confirms 'Dangerous' Alternate Realities

By Richard Nebens Posted:
Doctor Strange Multiverse Madness Background poster

Marvel Studios is about to embark on some of its biggest adventures to date in movies like this year's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch's master magician after his guest appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this sequel looks to push storytelling boundaries like almost nothing else in MCU history.

Fans already have a first look at the film thanks to the first trailer serving as the second post-credits scene from Tom Holland's Spidey threequel. However, even with this look, not much is known regarding specific plot details. Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch will be along for the magical roller-coaster ride, which could bring new and unexpected heroes from other universes into play.

With just a few months remaining until this mystical sequel debuts in theaters, more questions are asking what exactly will be in store for Strange and his powerful team of allies. A first synopsis hinted at the doctor's status within the Avengers and teased his vast magical ambition, although a new plot description is teasing things much bigger than Strange alone.

New Doctor Strange 2 Synopsis Teases Imminent Danger

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Marvel

Disney has shared new information about Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, including an updated synopsis and a list of cast and crew members.

The new synopsis teased another round of storytelling within the Multiverse which "pushes its boundaries" more than they've ever been pushed before. As Strange teams up with new and old characters, he will have to explore "dangerous alternate realities" and come face-to-face with a "mysterious new adversary:"

"In Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary."

The press release also listed seven of the movie's starring actors, even confirming that Michael Stühlbarg will return as Dr. Nicodemus West alongside Rachel McAdams' Christine Palmer. Loki executive producer Michael Waldron is credited as the sole head writer:

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” releases in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2022

Marvel's Multiverse Unlocking Alternate Realities

MCU fans got just a taste of the story's alternate realities in Spider-Man: No Way Home, which featured five villains and two more Spider-Men coming into the MCU. Marvel teased the extent of that Multiverse in No Way Home's final battle as characters from other universes took a peek into what the MCU had to offer.

Now, it appears that those alternate realities are coming to life in a big way, expanding mightily on what No Way Home started in December 2021.

The sequel's first trailer gave fans a small hint of other worlds coming into play, largely through wild building movements and mystical creatures coming into the MCU's world in trippy ways. And of course, that footage ended with a sinister-looking Doctor Strange telling Cumberbatch's prime sorcerer "Things just got out of hand."

While this synopsis mostly confirmed what was already known, it's clear just how much danger Strange and company will face as the Multiverse is fully unleashed.

With the potential for wild alternate-universe cameos and supernatural action unlike anything in MCU history, Multiverse of Madness doesn't look to be holding anything back. The specifics of that danger are still unknown for now, but as the movie's release date inches closer, Marvel will look to show fans what kind of wild ride is coming.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will debut in theaters on May 6, 2022.

- About The Author: Richard Nebens
Richard Nebens joined The Direct in March 2020, now serving as the site's Senior Writer and also working as an assistant editor and content creator. He started his journalism career as a hobby in 2019 and is passionate about sharing news and stories from the entertainment industry, especially comic book movies, comedy, and sci-fi. Richard looks to expand his knowledge about movies and TV every day, and he is eager to stay locked into the latest releases and breaking news at every opportunity.