As Marvel prepares to roll cameras onDoctor Strange 2, a familiar face is returning to the ensemble. Deadline confirms thatRachel McAdamswill be reprising her role as Dr. Christine Palmer inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, after speculation about whether she would or would not return for the sequel.Benedict Cumberbatchreprises the title role in the follow-up, which may be headed in a wildly ambitious direction if that title is any indication.
Scott Derricksonwas originally set to return to direct the follow-up after helming the 2016 film, but he departed the project over creative differences with Marvel. Then the studio tapped legendSam Raimito take his place, and fans are wildly excited to see what theSpider-ManandEvil Deadfilmmaker does with a multiverse-focusedDoctor Strangemovie.
Elizabeth Olsenhas a co-starring role in the film as Scarlet Witch, and originallyDoctor Strange 2was supposed to be released in 2021 after the release ofWandaVisionon Disney+, with that limited series leading directly into the story of the big screen sequel. Those plans changed, however, when the pandemic hit, and nowDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessisn’t slated to hit theaters until July 22, 2025.
Cumberbatch is currently filming a significant role in theuntitled thirdSpider-Manfilmand filming onDoctor Strange 2is expected to begin once he’s done with that, but clearly the Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to open up the idea of the multiverse in a big way. Past Spider-MenTobey MaguireandAndrew Garfieldare already expected to appearin the newSpider-Manmovie alongsideTom Holland, with villains from the various Spider-Man movies over the past two decades also poised to appear (includingJamie Foxx’s Electro andAlfred Molina’s Doc Ock).
ThatSpider-Manmovie hits theaters next year, so it’ll be fun to see howDoctor Strange 2builds upon the multiverse story that that film will surely introduce.
McAdams was frankly kind of wasted inDoctor Strangeso here’s hoping she has more to do in the sequel. Also expected to return from that first film areBenedict WongandChiwetwl Ejiofor.
