- Release Date:
- May 6, 2022
- Runtime:
- 126 minutes
- How to Watch:
- Disney+
- Director:
- Sam Raimi
- Cast:
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange
- Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch
- Benedict Wong as Wong
- Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez
- Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer
- Cinematography:
- John Mathieson
- Music / Composer:
- Danny Elfman
- Producers:
- Kevin Feige
- Scott Derrickson
- Genre:
- Supernatural
- Action-adventure
- Previous Movie:
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Next Movie:
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Latest Articles
Synopsis
Dr. Strange 2 News and Rumors
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was billed as one of the most anticipated MCU projects on the slate since being announced at 2019's San Diego Comic-Con. Despite the Doctor Strange 2 release date being moved by nearly an entire year, the hype for this sequel never slowed down. The reason is that this movie's title includes the hottest buzzword in superhero movies, "Multiverse".
The cast of Doctor Strange 2 is also one of the most powerful in MCU history. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the titular character. Benedict Wong also returns as the current Sorcerer Supreme, Wong. Elizabeth Olsen receives second billing reprising her iconic MCU role as Wanda Maximoff, aka The Scarlet Witch. Newcomer Xochitl Gomez brings multiversal hero America Chavez to live action for the first time and Adam Hugill plays the magical green minotaur Rintrah.
The question is with a story this big and a cast this star-studded, who is the person tasked to direct the Multiverse of Madness? Making his return to the genre that he is a founding father of, Sam Raimi gets behind the camera for Dr. Strange 2. He brings a mixed bag of Raimi-isms from his previous work in the genre with the early 2000’s Spider-Man trilogy, and the patented horror styles of his work such as Evil Dead and Drag Me To Hell.
With the large-scale pieces in place, and a veteran leader behind the camera, Marvel Studios was ready to deliver something more extreme than they ever have before… and they did.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness does what so many legendary MCU movies have done; push the limits of the genre. There are a variety of elements in the new Dr. Strange movie that have never been seen before in superhero movies. At least not to this extent.
This movie begins with one of the most shocking heel turns in Marvel Cinematic Universe history as Wanda presents herself as the villain within the film's first act. This sets off a pacing energy that is unmatched in the franchise.
Wanda’s goal is to obtain the power to travel the Multiverse from America Chavez, with the goal of being reunited with her children. It is made clear almost immediately that Wanda is willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen with her brutal and murderous attack on Kamar-Taj.
This cements her full evolution into darkness as The Scarlet Witch. Being succumbed by The Darkhold, Wanda has receded into the background in favor of the Chaos Magic legend of the MCU. This drives Doctor Stephen Strange on a quest to search the Multiverse for answers with the help of America Chavez.
This becomes the setup for some major moments in MCU history. As Strange and Chavez travel the Multiverse they land in Earth-838. This is a universe that introduces a variety of classic Marvel Comics elements and characters that will ring into the future of the franchise for years. Here, fans first hear phrases such as “616”, “Baxter Foundation”, and “The Illuminati”.
A group of Ultron bots takes a handcuffed Dr Strange to meet the infamous Illuminati, consisting of many powerful MCU cameos from the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and more sections of the Marvel universe. Baron Mordo returns as this universe's Sorcerer Supreme. He is accompanied by What If…? standout Captain Carter, played by universe veteran Haley Atwell. Lashana Lynch also reprises her role as Maria Rambeau with a promotion to 838’s protector of the cosmos, Captain Marvel.
Additionally, legacy characters and actors return to fulfill the multiversal theories of the MCU faithful. Anson Mount returns as Black Bolt, leader of the Inhumans, from his infamous ABC series Inhumans. With him, another founding father of the genre, Patrick Stewart, returns as Professor Charles Xavier. Accompanied by a nostalgic suite of X-Men: The Animated Series Easter Eggs such as the yellow hover chair, the visual representation of his mutant power, and the original series theme.
Finally, another legacy character in Marvel movie lore returns but with a new face. John Krasinski confirms one of the biggest fancast in recent memory in his MCU debut as Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, Leader of the Fantastic 4. Marvel’s first family makes their way into Marvel’s keystone franchise.
This Illuminati team informs 616 Stephen Strange that, because of the influence and power of the Darkhold, it is him that is the biggest threat to the Multiverse, not Wanda. Strange gets the support of America Chavez and Charles Xavier as different from the rest, but that is not enough.
The Scarlet Witch deploys the Darkhold’s most powerful and corrupting spell, dreamwalking, and eliminates The Illuminati in a gruesome fashion. This sequence will forever be remembered as the moment Marvel Studios pushed the PG-13 violence limit as far as it could go.
This all comes to ahead as Strange eventually travels with Christine Palmer, played by Rachel McAdams, to do exactly what he was warned not to do, dreamwalk. He possesses the corpse of another universe's Strange brought to 616 to confront The Scarlet Witch in her throne mountain, Wundergore.
This leads to Strange, Chavez, and Wong teaming up to take down the Scarlet Witch by holding up the mirror that is her children. Wanda makes the sacrifice play. Destroying Wundergore, the Darkhold in all universes, and herself.
After watching Multiverse of Madness, the question on everyone’s mind is Wanda dead? Wanda’s death is a “no body, no death” situation for most fans. After her arc from WandaVision to Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it is tough to believe this will be the last audiences will see of Elizabeth Olsen as The Scarlet Witch.
As for Doctor Strange, he leaves America Chavez in the hands of Wong at Kamar-Taj to continue developing her mystic powers. He returns to life in New York with a newfound sense of dignity and purpose. He believes he has once again evaded the consequences of disrupting natural law, until one day he is overcome with a sign of The Darkhold’s heavy toll, the third eye.
This leaves fans in a state of despair for the title hero as the bill may finally be coming due… until the post-credit scene.
After the credits roll on this Sami Raimi thriller, Strange is met by Clea played by Charlize Theron. Clea tells Strange his actions have begun an incursion, which is the collapse of multiple universes. The new sorcerer asks Stephen to join her and fix this problem as she opens a portal to The Dark Dimension. Strange proudly displays his evil third eye and joins with almost no hesitation.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness expanded the Marvel Cinematic Universe tenfold as it introduced a variety of consequential concepts, locations, elements, and characters. Doctor Stange is seemingly off the table for other universe events, much like Hulk at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron. This likely indicates fans will not see Benedict Cumberbatch again until much closer to the eventual Doctor Strange 3.
The reception for this film has been a mixed bag of sorts. The polarizing style, energy, and tone of this movie leave the majority of fans in a love/hate situation. Director Sam Raimi brought his own flavor into this one with Marvel Studios seemingly giving him a large majority of control.
The overall hype and build-up for this movie gave the opening weekend box office a major push with a $187,420,998 opening weekend. The fantastic opening weekend did not last, as Dr Strange 2 suffered a large box office drop of 67.5% in its second weekend.
The future of the franchise is uncertain. But this movie follows the pattern of other polarizing MCU entries (Age of Ultron, Ant-Man and the Wasp, etc.) and plants major seeds for the future. Everything that fans love about this one is just cherries on top as Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness proves that Marvel Studios has no intentions to take the foot off the gas in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Latest Doctor Strange In the Multiverse Of Madness News
New Doctor Strange 2 Merch Spotlights Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch
New promo images showed Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Deleted Spider-Man: No Way Home Line Featured In Doctor Strange 2 Trailer
Wong's deleted Spider-Man: No Way Home dialogue was recycled for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' first teaser trailer.
How Doctor Strange 2's Trailer Teases Return of WandaVision's Darkhold
How will Wanda's Chaos Magic factor into the Doctor Strange sequel and how will the Sorcerer Supreme such foreign magic?
Spider-Man: No Way Home's Magic Box Almost Looked Very Different (Photo)
Brand new concept art for Spider-Man: No Way Home has been revealed that shows Doctor Strange’s mystical cube could have been a book instead.
Benedict Cumberbatch Rocks a Ponytail In New Doctor Strange 2 Image
A toy listing for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness teases a comic-inspired "Defender Strange" version of Benedict Cumberbatch's sorcerer.
Will Tobey Maguire & Andrew Garfield Return for Doctor Strange 2?
After appearing in Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans are wondering if Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield return for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Shang Chi Star Calls for Fans to 'Please Stop' Asking Him About Next Marvel Movie
Shang-Chi star Simu Liu adamantly denied rumors about an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Marvel Celebrates New Year’s With Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness Tease
Marvel celebrated the New Year by releasing a fun new graphic teasing the impending release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Spider-Man: No Way Home Writer Explains Loki Finale Connections
Spider-Man: No Way Home writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers detailed how the events of Loki potentially tie into the MCU film.
Marvel Reveals Best Look Yet at America Chavez in Doctor Strange 2
New promotional art for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness gives fans their best look yet at America Chavez.
Doctor Strange 2 Plot Details Hint at New Avengers Hierarchy
A new synopsis for Doctor Strange 2 teased the central hero's place amongst the Avengers.
Which MCU Movie/Show Will Release Next After Spider-Man: No Way Home?
After Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans have been left wondering which Marvel movie or series will be releasing next.
New Doctor Strange 2 Promo Art Shows Cumberbatch's Updated Costume
A new piece of promo art provides a look at Doctor Strange's updated costume in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
2022's Most Anticipated Marvel & DC Movies, Ranked by Audiences
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Shang-Chi Star Responds to Doctor Strange 2 Appearance Rumors
Shang-Chi star Simu Liu responded to a rumor about his potential appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Reveals Possible Major Loki Connection
A Marvel fan may have discovered a Time Door as seen in the MCU Disney+ Series Loki in the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness teaser!
Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness: 10 Easter Eggs & Hidden Details In New Trailer
From Scarlet Witch's suspicious summonings to America Chavez's MCU debut, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness's teaser is littered with Easter eggs.
Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Easter Egg Connects to WandaVision’s Agatha
A certain shot from the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailer has ties to an aspect of WandaVision.
Did Doctor Strange 2's Trailer Just Tease X-Men & Fantastic Four Cameos?
The trailer for Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may have hinted at potential X-Men and Fantastic Four cameos.
Watch: Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Officially Released Online
The first official trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been unveiled.
Marvel Boss Jokes About Wong After Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Big Reveal
Actor Benedict Wong revealed how Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige teased him about his increased precense in the MCU.
Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Theory Explains Elizabeth Olsen's New Look
The new trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness provided new looks at Wanda Maximoff and her new Scarlet Witch outfit.
Doctor Strange 2 Update Promises Spider-Man & Loki-Inspired Cameos
Marvel was inspired to include more cameos in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness after seeing the response to Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Doctor Strange 2 Merch Reveals Cumberbatch’s New Costume
Hasbro unveiled an intriguing Doctor Strange action figure in its Marvel Legends line.
Doctor Strange 2 Toy Wave Reveals the MCU's First Minotaur
The first batch of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Marvel Legends figures dropped online, and it highlights the MCU's first minotaur appearance.
Spider-Man Will Be 'Lent Back' to Marvel After Third Movie, Confirms Sony
Sony has confirmed that Spider-Man will be lent back to the MCU following Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Doctor Strange 2 Update Reveals Cumberbatch's Pay Bump
Benedict Cumberbatch received a pay raise for his role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Disney Exec Reacts to Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Rumor
Disney's President of Marketing Asad Ayaz responded to a Doctor Strange 2 rumor on Twitter, leaving fans with more questions than answers.
Benedict Cumberbatch Surprised by Doctor Strange 2's 'Very Busy' Plot
Benedict Cumberbatch teased that "there's a lot of stuff going on" in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' story.
Benedict Cumberbatch Addresses Marvel Future After Doctor Strange 2
Marvel actor Benedict Cumberbatch who plays Doctor Stranged has commented on his character's future after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Marvel Reveals How Elizabeth Olsen Will Look In Doctor Strange 2
Elizabeth Olsen's full look as the Scarlet Witch from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness appeared in leaked images.
New Doctor Strange 2 LEGO Leak Reveals Battle With Tentacle Monster
The first Lego set for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has leaked online, teasing a possible Marvel villain.
Doctor Strange 2 Star Reveals Two Types of Scenes Are Being Reshot
Benedict Cumberbatch explained the goal of the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness reshoots.
Did Spider-Man: No Way Home's Trailer Just Spoil the Start of Doctor Strange 2?
At the end of the most recent Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer, the multiverse seems to be breaking open—so what could fans be witnessing?
Marvel Celebrates 9 Iconic MCU Locations from WandaVision, Avengers: Endgame & More
Marvel shows off fictional postcards for several famous MCU locations and landmarks.
Doctor Strange's Wong Celebrates Spider-Man: No Way Home Ahead of New Trailer
MCU actor Benedict Wong celebrated the upcoming release of Spider-Man: No Way Home on Instagram.
Doctor Strange 2 Rumor Teases Significant Cameos
An industry insider is teasing a cameo-filled sequence is responsible for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' reshoots
Doctor Strange 2 Starts Long Reshoots With Spider-Man: No Way Home Pick-Up Crew
Doctor Strange 2 has been scheduled for an extra six weeks of shooting in Los Angeles which will involve both reshoots and additional photography.
Benedict Cumberbatch Addresses 'Sexist' Concerns Over Doctor Strange Casting
Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch recently revealed his hesitation in accepting the role due to certain character traits displayed in the comics.
Doctor Strange 2 Writer Reveals Pandemic Anxiety Made Its Way Into Marvel Script
Loki and Doctor Strange writer Michael Waldron commented on how real world situations, such as the current pandemic, tends to find its way into his stories.