Marvel Studios is reportedly in the early stages of developing Doctor Strange 3. Furthermore, Daniel RPK reports that the billion-dollar superhero-centric studio has expressed a keen interest in bringing Sam Raimi back to direct the third installment. This would certainly make sense following the positive box office and critical reception of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Interestingly enough, this positive development regarding Doctor Strange 3 comes shortly after reports emerged that Marvel is thinking of bringing Sam Raimi on board to direct Avengers: Secret Wars.
Raimi, acclaimed for his unique horror sensibilities, brought a distinctive flair to the Doctor Strange sequel. Distinctive of the first Doctor Strange film, which focused narratively on Benedict Cumberbatch’s eccentric surgeon-turned-master of the mystic arts, his approach to crafting the universe, particularly concerning characters such as Zombie Strange and the portrayal of Wanda’s corruption by the Darkhold was particularly well-received by fans. Many lauded Raimi’s vision, expressing excitement at the possibility of him exploring other ominous characters like Nightmare and delving into the intersection of the Dark Dimension and the Nightmare Realm.
The potential return of Raimi as the director of Doctor Strange 3 aligns with a broader trend in Marvel’s upcoming cinematic slate. After spending most of Phase 4 setting up the rest of the Multiverse Saga, it’s now heavily focused on sequels leading up to Avengers: Secret Wars. With Deadpool 3 and Captain America: New World Order leading the way, Marvel seems intent on deepening the stories of already established characters instead of introducing even more new faces. This strategy could enhance the impact of the upcoming pair of saga-ending Avengers films, Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars.
Raimi’s take on Doctor Strange wasn’t universally loved. Many felt Raimi focused too much on world-building, wasting the talents of Cumberbatch as an award-winning actor. Because of this, there are calls to bring Scott Derrickson back, the director of the first Doctor Strange film.
The publication of Derrickson’s original plans for the follow-up, which made rounds on the internet earlier this year, has only made such calls much louder.
Nevertheless, with Doctor Strange likely playing an integral role in the multiverse-centric saga of the MCU, we’re bound to hear more about the next Doctor Strange film sooner rather than later.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness left fans with several unresolved plotlines and character arcs. In particular, the film concludes with Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, seemingly reaching points of closure. However, a post-credits scene gives us yet another new face in Charlize Theron as the sorceress Clea and hints at a new adventure in the Dark Dimension. This narrative direction could serve as the basis for Doctor Strange 3, which could explore the consequences of Strange’s actions and the fallout of the multiverse adventure.
The film’s portrayal of Scarlet Witch’s fate remains ambiguous. This uncertainty adds another layer of intrigue to the potential storyline for Doctor Strange 3. We may even get hints of Doctor Strange’s next appearance in Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, which recently saw its first teaser leak online.
As Marvel Studios progresses with its ambitious plans for the MCU, the involvement of seasoned directors such as Sam Raimi is crucial in maintaining the cinematic quality and narrative depth that fans have come to expect.
Whether Sam Raimi ultimately returns to helm Doctor Strange 3 or takes on an even much larger challenge in Avengers: Secret Wars, his potential influence on the future of Marvel’s storytelling will be something that fans will want to know more about.
