Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be an exciting new chapter in the MCU, introducing the concept of the multiverse to the Sorcerer Supreme.
Little else is known about the film, besides the fact that the film’s star, Benedict Cumberbatch, will be joined by Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch. Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor will also return to round out the cast, playing Wong and Karl Mordo respectively once again. The two heroes will be joined by Xochitl Gomez, who is heavily rumored to be playing the multiverse-hopping America Chavez.
The film will be largely connected to two other multiverse-centric stories in the MCU, those being WandaVision and Spider-Man 3. Benedict Cumberbatch is confirmed to appear in the web-slinger's third installment, so it is likely that he will be called upon to sort out Peter Parker's multiverse shenanigans.
Little word has been given to returning cast members from the first film, with Variety previously reporting that Rachel McAdams would not be reprising the role of Christine Palmer. Now, it appears that a character from the first Doctor Strange could make her return for the sequel after all...
NEWS
According to Deadline, Rachel McAdams will reportedly reprise her role as Christine Palmer in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The actress has signed on to appear in the sequel alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, though the outlet stated that it was unknown how big McAdams' role would be.
WHAT THIS MEANS
Christine Palmer has been absent from the MCU since the first Doctor Strange, so it is reassuring that she will finally be making a return after all this time.
It is unknown how involved Christine Palmer will be in the plot of the film, though she may step more into her role of Night Nurse from the comics. Palmer previously demonstrated some of these traits in the first film, so perhaps this will be expanded upon to give the character a proper heroic title.
There is also the possibility that Christine Palmer will have different multiverse versions of herself. This could allow for more weird and wacky interpretations of the character, and allow McAdams to have fun with a range of performances in the role. Perhaps one of these versions could give Christine powers, allowing her to fight alongside Stephen Strange.
This calls into question which other cast members could return from the original Doctor Strange. Although Tilda Swinton's The Ancient One has canonically passed on in the timeline of the MCU, her reappearance in Avengers: Endgame provided a good indication that the actress could be willing to return to the role. Some may have felt that Mads Mikkelsen was somewhat underused in his role as Kaecilius, so perhaps the sorcerer could return in tandem with Dormammu. With the prospect of the multiverse very much on the horizon, there is potential for these characters, or other versions of them, to return for the film.
Rachel McAdams will be seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as Christine Palmer when the film releases on March 25, 2022.
