Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is Marvel Studios' first big-screen entry in its 2022 slate. The film is directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Evil Dead), and it features the return of Benedict Cumberbatch's Master of the Mystic Arts after his stint in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The sequel also includes Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff, Benedict Wong's Wong, and the MCU debut of Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez.
Multiverse of Madness has been shrouded in secrecy ever since it was announced during San Diego Comic-Con 2019. From its exact plot details to the rumored cameos, Marvel has been safely guarding its secrets.
Despite that, interviews and official merchandise for the sequel shed some light on the movie's burning questions. While it is widely expected that the Multiverse will be its sole focus, it has been teased in promotional images of the film that Shuma-Gorath could serve as the true villain while other creatures like the MCU's first Minotaur and Gargantos are confirmed to appear in some capacity.
Now, as 2022 inches closer, the first official piece of marketing for the sequel has arrived.
Marvel Unveils Doctor Strange 2 Trailer
Marvel Studios officially released the first trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, showcasing a stunning look at Benedict Cumberbatch's Stephen Strange, Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff, and more.
The 2-minute trailer offers a scary glimpse at Olsen's Scarlet Witch performing some kind of ritual:
Doctor Strange, Rachel McAdams' Christine Palmer, and America Chavez presumably enter a Multiverse portal in this official still:
The full trailer can be seen below:
Alongside the reveal, an official poster for the MCU sequel has been revealed as well:
Doctor Strange vs. Strange Supreme
Multiverse of Madness' first trailer offers an exciting preview of Strange and Wanda's trip to different alternate realities.
The upcoming MCU sequel will likely pay off the reveals from Tom Hiddleston's Loki series, such as the existence of Variants across the Multiverse. In the trailer, Strange can be seen talking to his alternate version who is Strange Supreme, a character first introduced in the What If...? animated show.
The pair's first meeting will be interesting to witness, especially after how Strange Supreme helped the Watcher to prevent the Multiverse from suffering a total collapse. Strange Supreme's involvement could also hint that the Watcher himself could be included in the sequel.
Meanwhile, seeing Wanda Maximoff back in action is a welcome sight for fans. Wanda's mention of Westview should delight WandaVision enthusiasts, while Strange asking her for help definitely raises more questions than answers.
WandaVision's post-credits scene confirmed that Wanda is studying the Darkhold for, presumably, dark magic. It is unknown if Strange will find out, but many would agree that he will unravel this tidbit sooner rather than later.
That said, a potential clash between Strange and Wanda could be inevitable in the sequel if the Darkhold reveal ever happens.
Brief footage of America Chavez in the trailer serves as a preview of the young hero's MCU debut, while Wong appears to be in danger against an unknown threat.
Another clear standout would be the return of Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer. Given that Christine is seen alongside Strange and Chavez within the Multiverse, it's safe to assume that she would have a substantial role in the sequel.
Chiwetel Ejiofor's Baron Mordo also makes his MCU return since 2016's Doctor Strange. It remains to be seen if the version seen in the trailer is a Variant though.
All in all, Multiverse of Madness seems poised to deliver on the action and its mysterious narrative.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to premiere in theaters on May 6, 2022.
