During a recent interview, Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his portrayal of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), shared insights into the current ambiguity surrounding the future of his iconic sorcerer character.
Cumberbatch, while promoting his latest series, Eric, expressed uncertainty regarding the timeline and context of Doctor Strange's next appearance within the expansive Marvel universe. When questioned about a potential third Doctor Strange film and its connection to upcoming Avengers projects, the actor's responses were noncommittal.
Speculation has been rife about the return of Cumberbatch's sorcerer since his last appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022. While Marvel Studios has hinted at Doctor Strange's involvement in future Multiverse Saga installments, concrete details remain elusive.
Recent developments suggest that a potential Doctor Strange 3 storyline could involve moral dilemmas and universe-altering stakes. The conclusion of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hinted at the sorcerer teaming up with Clea, played by Charlize Theron, to confront threats in the Dark Dimension.
Director Scott Derrickson recently shed light on the meticulous casting process that led to Benedict Cumberbatch portraying Stephen Strange. Derrickson highlighted the unique position he had in directing Doctor Strange, allowing for a standalone film that inadvertently set the stage for future multiverse narratives within the MCU.
Unlike many other Marvel directors, Derrickson emphasized the creative freedom he had in crafting Doctor Strange without the pressure of aligning it closely with predetermined MCU storylines. The film's success was attributed to Cumberbatch's portrayal of the character, with Derrickson going to great lengths to secure the actor for the role.
The decision to delay the film's release to accommodate Cumberbatch's schedule was pivotal in ensuring his participation, ultimately leading to Doctor Strange's box office success. Derrickson's unwavering belief in Cumberbatch as the ideal choice for Stephen Strange was validated by the film's positive reception and financial performance.