Movies

RUMOR: ‘Doctor Strange 3’ Coming Sooner Than We Think?

While a Doctor Strange 3 film hasn’t been officially confirmed, a recent rumor indicates that it could be out sooner than we think.

byRyan Cortero

01/29/2023

With a new year started, we’re that much closer to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. Kevin Feige announced at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) 2022 that the MCU is now in the Multiverse Saga. Most of the projects have been revealed, with Avengers: Secret Wars concluding this chapter. However, one of the noticeable missing titles was a Doctor Strange 3 film.

(Left to right): Charlize Theron as Clea and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness via Marvel Studios - Agents of Fandom — (Left to right): Charlize Theron as Clea and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*

When Can We Expect Doctor Strange 3?

During the mid-credits scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Clea (Charlize Theron) appears and warns Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) that he has caused an incursion. We see them jump through a portal to the Dark Dimension, leaving fans confused, yet interested in what’s next. Based on the official slate of MCU projects, it’s unsure where we’ll see this storyline continue.

Take this next information with a grain of salt. Jason Kane (Greatphase), an insider for Marvel news, shared that Doctor Strange 3 will potentially release in 2026 before Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Kane also notes that Marvel Studios allegedly wants Scott Derrickson to return to direct the film.

Shift in movies slate
2025 will now be F4, Armor Wars, likely Spider-Man 4 and Shang Chi 2

Marvel has decided to fast track another Doctor Strange movie to come before Kang Dynasty. They want Derrickson to return.
— Jason Kane (Greatphase) (@GGeneralHolt8) January 9, 2023

Scott Derrickson Possibly Returning To Helm

Derrickson directed the first Doctor Strange film in 2016. He was also assigned to helm the sequel before leaving due to creative differences. Fans have questioned if Derrickson walked away due to contradicting ideas surrounding the horror elements of the film. In the early stages of development, Derrickson described the Doctor Strange sequel as the “first scary MCU film”, while Feige clarified it would be “a big MCU film with scary sequences in it.”

Derrickson mentioned that he has an amicable relationship with Marvel Studios and that he’d work with them again. If a third Doctor Strange film does involve Strange travelling through the Dark Dimension, having Derrickson return would be a great idea. He could tell a more horror-centric story and fill in elements that he would’ve introduced in the previous film.

Scott Derrickson in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con, 2019 - Agents of Fandom — Scott Derrickson in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con, 2019. Credit: Getty Images for Disney

Doctor Strange, Leader of the Avengers?

With the current line up of Avengers, Doctor Strange is the only one who has travelled through the multiverse. His experience with exploring other worlds could prove useful in the Avengers’ fight against Kang. While nothing is confirmed regarding a third Doctor Strange film or Derrickson returning to direct it, having Strange deal with an incursion before Avengers: The Kang Dynasty would make sense.

What do you think of this rumor? Do you think Marvel Studios will pump out Doctor Strange 3 before the next Avengers film?

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Author

Ryan Cortero

Social media guru, senior writer, and working towards editor. I'm a Filipino born and raised in the city where 'The Boys' is filmed. I'm passionate for all types of movies and shows, especially reality TV, superhero content, and indie dramas. Since the pandemic, I've started working my way through the world of anime, but I've always been a fan of DBZ and Pokémon. I love talking about pop culture to anyone willing and interested (almost to an annoying level). If someone brings up a movie or show as small talk, I can give a whole monologue behind it. Same can be said if the topic is on the Disney Parks. Currently visited 4 out of the 6 international Disney resorts, with Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea being my personal favourite. I graduated from Carleton University with a postbaccalaureate in Film Studies. Even though it was a tough process going back to school post-pandemic, I encourage those who have the means to pursue your passions to do so. You don't want to regret that decision when it's too late.