Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has only just portaled its way into theaters, but the MCU sequel already looks to deliver big numbers at the box office. Having made his debut back in 2016's Doctor Strange, it's taken six years for Benedict Cumberbatch's sorcerer to get his second solo outing, despite having appeared four times since then in Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
With Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man having now departed the MCU, Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange steps into his role as the leading man and face of the universe - having made six appearances in as many years. The legendary British actor has made clear he has no intention of slowing down with the role either, provided there continue to be interesting stories to be told.
Now that the secrets of the Multiverse have finally been revealed, Marvel fans, as always, are turning their attention to the future to question what's next for Doctor Strange. Well, Benedict Cumberbatch seems to be just as excited and intrigued about that question.
Will Benedict Cumberbatch Return in the MCU?
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness star Benedict Cumberbatch has reinforced his commitment and excitement for his future in the MCU.
In an interview with Extra TV, shared on Twitter by @DrStrangeUpdate, Cumberbatch first shared his belief that the Multiverse blockbuster sets him up "for a really exciting future" in the MCU:
"I really can’t wait to see what the fan reaction is to this and where it takes Strange, and who he is by the end of the film. But I think it sets him up for a really exciting future.”
In a separate discussion with Total Film, once again shared by @DrStrangeUpdate, the British actor reinforced his commitment to the MCU, promising that he still has "a lot more adventure [he wants] to have with [Doctor Strange]:"
“I’m not tired of it all yet. I really enjoy playing this character, and I’ve still got a lot left to give as him, and a lot more adventures I want to have with him.”
What's to Come from Doctor Strange 3?
Warning - The rest of this article contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness wrapped up most of its major plot points by the end of the two-hour runtime, but the final moments did leave fans with a few dangling threads to tease the inevitable third installment. After using the Darkhold to control the corpse of his alternate self, Doctor Strange appears to have become corrupted and now has a third eye on his forehead.
Not only that, but the mid-credits scene saw Charlize Theron make her MCU debut as Clea - the sorcerer niece of Dormammu and love interest of Doctor Strange. The good doctor's wife-to-be crept up on him on the streets to whisk him away through a portal to fix an incursion (collision of two universes) that he caused.
So, the Multiverse will clearly continue to be an influential factor in Doctor Strange 3. How exactly Strange managed to cause an incursion on his Multiverse-saving mission remains unclear, but those answers ought to form the plot of the third installment, whenever that may come to be.
Much of the Multiverse of Madness cast ought to be back for Doctor Strange 3, especially with Wong still serving as Sorcerer Supreme and America Chavez now training at Kamar-Taj. Although Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch probably won't be on board for the third chapter, given the former Avenger just recently met her demise in the destruction of Mount Wundagore.
One mystery remains in whether director Sam Raimi will return, the filmmaker has had only positive things to say about his MCU debut, leaving the door open to a comeback. But if Raimi isn't eager to tackle another Marvel blockbuster, Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson already offered his willingness to return, even after departing the second film due to creative differences.
With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness already doing big numbers at the box office, there are no doubts discussions have begun regarding the third entry in the trilogy. An announcement ought to be included in Marvel Studios' next big slate reveal whenever that may be, potentially as soon as this year at San Diego Comic-Con or D23.
