Rejoice! 'Doctor Strange' is returning, sequel is in the works
Avengers: Infinity War saw our beloved wizard, Doctor Strange disintegrate into cosmic dust, thanks to Thanos' finger snap. However, fans need not be saddened as it appears that a sequel to Doctor Strange (2016) is in the works. Benedict Cumberbatch will return as Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, in Doctor Strange 2, therefore proving that he will somehow survive the events of Avengers: Endgame.
Director Scott Derrickson retained, hunt for film's scriptwriters underway
The sequel to Doctor Strange will be helmed by Scott Derrickson who directed and co-wrote the first part of the film as well. The deal was quietly finalized and first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Since reports suggest that the search for scriptwriters is underway, one might assume that the first part's co-writers Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill will not be returning.
Derrickson is best known for his horror films
Scott Derrickson is best known for having directed some excellent horror films like The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), Sinister (2012), Deliver Us From Evil (2014) and the Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly starrer science-fiction movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008).
Will Chiwetel Ejiofor's Karl Mordo give Strange a tough time?
Among the stars returning to the movie is Benedict Cumberbatch (obviously) playing the titular Doctor Strange. Benedict Wong will also return as Wong, his right-hand man. Rachel McAdams might reprise her role as Christine Palmer, Strange's love interest. There is no news of Chiwetel Ejiofor reprising his role as Karl Mordo, despite the first movie hinting at him being the next, more personal villain.
Who is Karl Mordo?
Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Baron Karl Amadeus Mordo, or Baron Mordo is one of Doctor Strange's chief adversaries. Often backed by Dormammu, who was the first film's main villain, Mordo is a skilled magician, harnessing black arts and summoning demons.
When is 'Doctor Strange 2' releasing?
According to the current schedule, the script will be completed in 2019 and production will start in 2020. This would make May 2021 a tentative release time. Considering the first film's success, making $677.7 million globally, the sequel might get May's coveted release date. Marvel previously confirmed May 7, 2021, as a release date for an unnamed film, which might be Doctor Strange 2.
Marvel has their hands full for the future
The confirmation of Doctor Strange 2 sees it joining several Marvel films that are in the pipeline. These include Spider-Man: Far From Home releasing in July 2019, a standalone Black Widow movie, a Black Panther sequel from Ryan Coogler. We also reported that they have The Eternals movie in the works and is making a movie on Shang-Chi, Marvel's first Asian superhero movie protagonist.