Imagine a Marvel movie so fraught with behind-the-scenes drama, it could rival any superhero’s on-screen battle. That’s the story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—and now, whispers of Doctor Strange 3 are already swirling. Three years after the sequel’s release, its journey remains one of the most turbulent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Initially billed as the MCU’s first true horror experience, the film promised a dark, supernatural adventure with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) at its core. Fans anticipated a bold stylistic departure for the franchise, but the road to the screen was anything but smooth.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Original director Scott Derrickson, who helmed the first Doctor Strange, was set to return. Marvel hyped the film as a horror-driven spectacle, but in early 2020, Derrickson abruptly exited due to creative differences. This marked the beginning of a seismic shift. Sam Raimi stepped in as director, bringing his signature flair, while Loki writer Michael Waldron was tasked with reworking the script. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated production, delaying filming and forcing the team to adapt on the fly.
And this is the part most people miss... Amid the chaos, cast members were often left in the dark. Elizabeth Olsen revealed she learned just three weeks before filming that Wanda would be the film’s primary antagonist—a stark contrast to her expectations of an ensemble piece building on WandaVision. This last-minute pivot sparked debates among fans, who felt Wanda’s transformation into a villain was rushed and leaned too heavily on the “hysterical woman” trope, undermining her nuanced character development from the series.
Despite its rocky development, Multiverse of Madness received mixed but largely positive reviews. Raimi’s direction was celebrated for its energetic visuals and horror-inspired sequences, with many praising its stylistic boldness. However, the writing and character arcs drew criticism. Wanda’s villainous turn divided audiences, and Doctor Strange’s own growth felt underdeveloped for a sequel centered on him.
Since its release, Doctor Strange’s future in the MCU has been shrouded in mystery. The film’s post-credits scene teased the introduction of Clea (Charlize Theron), hinting at a direct continuation. Yet, neither Cumberbatch nor Theron appeared in the cast list for Avengers: Doomsday, leaving fans to speculate whether Marvel plans to resolve this storyline elsewhere—or at all.
Now, word on the street is that Doctor Strange 3 is in active early development. Here’s the kicker: Cumberbatch is reportedly taking a more hands-on role behind the scenes, particularly in finding a new writer and director. One name floating around? Sam Mendes, though his packed schedule with four Beatles biopics makes this seem unlikely. Neither Raimi nor Waldron is expected to return. Production isn’t slated to begin until after Avengers: Secret Wars wraps, leaving plenty of time for speculation.
So, here’s the question: Can Doctor Strange 3 learn from the mistakes of its predecessor and deliver the character-driven, visually stunning sequel fans crave? Or will it fall into the same traps? Let’s discuss in the comments—what’s your take on Wanda’s villain arc, and who would you like to see direct the next installment?
