6 Minutes
What we know so far about Doctor Strange 3
Reports are emerging that Doctor Strange 3 is in the very early stages of development — but don’t expect cameras to roll anytime soon. According to industry whispers cited by NexusPointNews, Marvel’s next solo outing for Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sorcerer Supreme is still being shaped, and much about the project remains unofficial. The most notable detail: Cumberbatch is said to be taking a more active creative role this time, particularly in choosing a writer and a director.
That involvement could reshape the film’s direction. One name reportedly favored by Cumberbatch is Sam Mendes, whose recent focus on an ambitious Beatles biopic cycle makes his availability unlikely. Meanwhile, sources suggest Sam Raimi and writer Michael Waldron — who steered 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — are not expected to return for a third chapter.
Tentative timeline: don’t hold your breath
Marvel’s scheduling juggernaut is another hurdle. Production on Doctor Strange 3 reportedly won’t begin until after principal photography wraps on Avengers: Secret Wars. Given current Marvel timelines and planned release schedules, that pushes realistic expectations into 2028 or later for any theatrical release. In other words, fans should be prepared for a long wait.
Why the long delay?
A few industry realities explain this lag. First, Marvel’s interconnected storytelling requires careful coordination so one flagship film doesn’t contradict another. Second, the studio often prioritizes major ensemble projects like Avengers films, which then gate solo entries. And third, creative turnover, scheduling conflicts with top-tier talent, and broader strikes or global events (remember COVID-19’s impact?) can stall momentum for years.
From horror-tinged ambitions to artistic upheaval
To understand the current hold-up, it helps to revisit the turbulent path of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. When a sequel was first announced, Scott Derrickson — director of the original Doctor Strange — was eyed to return and to lean into a truly horror-inflected take within the MCU. Early teasers suggested a darker supernatural thriller featuring Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) sharing a bold, risky arc.
Creative clashes led Derrickson to depart in early 2020, and with him went the film’s initial horror-first identity. Marvel tapped Sam Raimi, whose flair for genre-savvy set pieces reshaped the project. Michael Waldron, a key writer on Loki, joined to rewrite the script. The pandemic further complicated production schedules and creative decisions, contributing to a movie that evolved significantly between concept and screen.
Fan reaction and critical takeaways
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, released in 2022, arrived as a polarizing but largely visually praised entry in the MCU. Critics and audiences lauded Raimi’s kinetic direction, inventive horror-leaning sequences, and striking visual effects that made it one of the most stylistically distinct Marvel films. Yet many reviewers pointed to weaknesses in the screenplay and character development.
A particularly contentious choice was Wanda’s abrupt slide into antagonist territory — a turn that surprised Elizabeth Olsen herself, who recently revealed she learned of Wanda’s villainous role just weeks before filming. Some fans felt that Strange’s arc received less attention than expected, diluting emotional payoff for a character many hoped would be central to the franchise’s next phase.
Where Clea and Charlize Theron fit in
The post-credits introduction of Clea (played by Charlize Theron) felt like a clear setup for Strange’s future. That tease raised hopes that a direct sequel would follow quickly. But when neither Cumberbatch nor Theron appeared on early cast lists for Avengers: Doomsday, speculation grew: will Marvel continue Clea’s thread in a standalone sequel, fold it into a different project, or shelve it entirely?
Comparisons and context
Looking across the MCU, Doctor Strange’s uncertain future is not unique. Solo sequels often face delays when studios prioritize crossover installments — similar to how certain Spider-Man and Thor projects were shaped by larger MCU timelines. Stylistically, Raimi’s Multiverse of Madness leaned into a horror-eye view similar to his earlier work on Evil Dead and his Spider-Man trilogy, whereas a potential Mendes helming would likely steer Strange toward a more psychological, character-driven tone.
From an industry perspective, Marvel must balance auteur voices with franchise consistency. That tension explains why directors sometimes leave and why actors like Cumberbatch might step into production roles to protect a character’s long-term arc.
"Marvel’s scale means every solo film is part of a larger chessboard," says film critic Anna Kovacs. "Cumberbatch taking a seat at the table could help preserve Strange’s identity, but it also shows how much coordination this franchise demands. Fans should expect careful, not rushed, development."
Trivia and fan response
- Elizabeth Olsen’s late-stage revelation about Wanda’s role became a major talking point online, prompting long threads analyzing on-set secrecy in big franchises.
- Charlize Theron’s Clea cameo sparked fan art and theory forums that persist to this day, keeping interest alive despite the delay.
Whether Doctor Strange 3 becomes an intimate, director-driven character piece or a spectacle-laden chapter tied to Avengers events, Marvel’s choices now will determine not only the film’s tone but also how Strange fits into the MCU’s next era. For many fans, the best outcome would be a patient, well-planned return that honors the visual daring of Multiverse of Madness while repairing the emotional beats critics found lacking.
In the meantime, expect more rumors, a slow trickle of official updates, and intense fan debate — the MCU machine rarely lets a character like Doctor Strange rest quietly for long.
Comments
Reza
Honestly, slow development might be a blessing. If they fix the emotional beats from Multiverse of Madness and let Cumberbatch guard Strange's arc, I'll be in. Patient but hopeful
moonramp
2028?? is this even true lol. Cumberbatch picking writers/director sounds like ego move or smart play? Mendes improbable, Raimi out? Marvel pls, give Clea a real story, not just a cameo
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