Doctor Strange 2 with Benedict Cumberbatch could be in theaters earlier than expected. Reports revealed that the sequel to the mystical superhero film might be on the big screen by November 2020.
According to Deadline, Marvel will be announcing its new slate of films for the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) once Avengers: Endgame hits theaters in a few days. Speculations are that the line-up for 2020 will include the Black Widow movie with Scarlett Johansson and Doctor Strange 2.
Disney has reportedly two open movie release dates for next year set for an "Untitled Marvel Movie" as per Digital Spy. The first open date is on May 1 while the second date is on November 6.
However, since Doctor Strange 2 has not started filming, then it won't likely finish the movie in time for the May 2020 release. Hence, there are strong assumptions that the movie will be slated for Disney's November calendar.
Meanwhile, Doctor Strange 2 director Scott Derrickson also told the press that the sequel could have a new villain. He wants Nightmare to be part of the tale of the dark arts.
"I like the character of Nightmare and the concept that the Nightmare Realm is a dimension," the director said. "That's early - that's like the first Strange tale. I think that's in the introductory episode of Doctor Strange, and I always loved that."
Derrickson also revealed that Nightmare would have been part of the first film, but they abandoned the idea. However, the director said that he hopes to be able to go back to this and explore ways to introduce the character since Nightmare's storylines in the Doctor Strange world has many dimensions and possibilities.
Aside from Cumberbatch, confirmed to return for Doctor Strange 2 are Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor (as Mordo). Rachel McAdams might also be reprising her role as Christine Palmer, Doctor Strange's romantic interest.
Fans expect that the plotline for Doctor Strange 2 will be revealed in Avengers: Endgame. It's likely that he will gain more power after this big climax -- that is if he survives the wrath of Thanos.
MCU introduced Doctor Strange to the movie-going public in 2016. However, the film's development started as early as 2005 at Marvel Studios.
The character is a master of the mystic and dark arts who trained under the sorcerer the Ancient One. As a budding sorcerer, Doctor Strange also helped Thor and Loki during their search for Odin in the post-credit scenes, thus tying his character to the MCU.
