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.