Benedict Cumberbatch is reportedly discussing his return on Doctor Strange 3, but it’s likely his final outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), according to reports.
Marvel Studios is locking in a deal for Doctor Strange 3 with Cumberbatch as the studio earmarks the production of Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness. The gap between the two movies will be shorter, but it will close Cumberbatch’s time in the MCU.
According to We Got This Covered, Marvel wants Cumberbatch to have his trilogy closer. Doctor Strange 3 will also continue the story of the new sorceress who will be stepping in to fill the void he’ll leave behind.
Mystery character joining the second film
Reports cited that a new character is joining the next film. Marvel Studios is casting a 12 to 15-year-old Puerto Rican actress as Miss America, also known as America Chavez.
In the comics, Miss America has the ability of speed, flight, and strength, and she can also do inter-reality transportation, just like Cumberbatch’s character. Miss America will have a supporting role alongside Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch.
Whether Miss America or Scarlet Witch replaces Doctor Strange in the dark arts remains to be seen. Details of the second movie remains a big mystery.
Director Sam Raimi boarded Doctor Strange 2 in April, replacing Scott Derrickson, while Marvel tapped Michael Waldron to sharpen the screenplay. Filming was reportedly set in May. However, like most productions in Hollywood, the pandemic crisis delayed work on the set.
Marvel also announced that Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness will be in theaters on March 2022. It originally carried a November 2021 release date. The movie is part of Phase 4 of the MCU.
Cumberbatch is learning his lines
Tatler reported that Cumberbatch is currently learning his lines for the Doctor Strange sequel, while holed up in New Zealand. The actor was in the middle of filming his other movie, The Power of the Dog when the lockdown orders were set in place.
“I’ve tried to maintain some sense of sanity by using lockdown as a forced opportunity to be in one place,” Cumberbatch said. He revealed that he’s been “really busy” in quarantine because he learned to bake bread and play the banjo.
The actor nor his representatives, however, have no comment on the Doctor Strange 3 rumors. If the film materializes, MCU fans will likely see it on the big screen in 2025 or longer.
Image used courtesy of Marvel Entertainment/YouTube