With Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3‘s future currently up in the air after James Gunn’s recent firing from the film, nobody really knows what the next step for the MCU will be although if a recent report is to be believed, the answer may be a little….Strange. Okay that was awful, but read on for more on the rumor that suggests Doctor Strange 2 could be the film to replace the now up in the air Guardians film.
Earlier this week, reports found their way online that the sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange would begin filming as early as next spring, despite the fact that it has yet to be officially announced as even being a possibility. In the past, Kevin Feige has stated that a sequel would find its way to the big screen – although he revealed it would likely be a few years away yet.
It’s likely that this is in response to Gunn’s recent departure from the franchise, seeing as the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie will probably be delayed while the studio looks for a new director. It was previously reported that the film will use Gunn’s script in an attempt to follow his intended vision for the characters, however – it’s likely that any director who does take the reigns, will want to put their own stamp on the film.
Another piece of evidence that points towards another Strange film being on the horizon is the recent news that Stephen Strange actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, is set to receive a significant pay increase to return as the good doctor. It was reported that the Sherlock star with receive £7.5 Million to reprise the role, £5 million more than he received for the title role in the original.
The director of the first film, Scott Derrickson previously took to Instagram to tease a potential sequel. Posting the cryptic message “‘Not my will, but thine be done…’ See you in September.” Which hopefully means we should be seeing some form of confirmation in the coming weeks.
Strange was last seen *Spoiler Alert* turning to ash at the climax of Avengers: Infinity War, so it will be interesting to see how he actually makes his way back to the franchise. It is speculated that he will be returning in some capacity in the currently untitled Avengers 4 but it’s currently unknown how accurate that is now.
If a sequel is released, it’s likely that it will continue the story that was teased in the film’s post credit scene, with Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Baron Mordo seeking to eliminate the other sorcerers.
For now we can only speculate but with Marvel currently filming Spider-Man: Far from Home, the last of their previously announced films, they may need to get started on something new soon.
What do you think? Are you excited by a Doctor Strange sequel? Would you prefer a Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3? Let us know below!