Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswill officially hit theaters in May, carrying a level of expectations equal to the box office smashSpider-Man: No Way Home. While competing with the web-slinging hero’s numbers feels daunting, Benedict Cumberbatch is showing no signs of pessimism, believing the newestDoctor Strangeinstallment can replicate the incredible success generated by the record-breaking film.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesslooks to be the proverbial launching pad for the next phase of the MCU, with many speculating that the narrative will include appearances of familiar faces from Marvel’s cinematic past. The inclusion of such iconic appearances would mirrorSpider-Man: No Way Home, which bridged three generations ofSpider-Manfandom. The film is inching closer to the $800 million domestic box office milestone, having already surpassed $1.8 billion worldwide. No film released this year has been able to attain such success, withThe Batmanbeing the closest, having earned $238.5 million over two theatrical weekends. However,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessmay be a different story.
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“It’s a big, big movie,” stated Cumberbatch while speaking withEmpiremagazine. “It’s going to be an absolute riot. And if it brings off the level of ambition it’s got, we’re going to have success on the level of Spidey. There you go, I’ll put my flag in the sand.” Alongside Cumberbatch,the film will star Elizabeth Olsen, whom audiences last saw in the Disney Plus original seriesWandaVisionas Scarlet Witch. Marvel has planted seeds leading up to the events Strange will be immersed in throughout the film, making the statement made by Cumberbatch all the more realistic. While the possible return of Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire is not at the forefront, the obscurity of the multiverse may be an even more attractive ticket.
The film takes place after the events ofSpider-Man: No Way Homeand places Strange in a situation where he must deal with the consequences of opening the multiverse. The sorcerers' actions in the Tom Holland-led film ushered in the return of villains and characters from previousSpider-Manprojects, with many speculating about other possible returns in store. The trailer forDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesshinted at the return of Patrick Stewart, who played Charles Xavier in the earlier stages of theX-Menfranchise. Other thoughts have arisen around the emergence of Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool andHugh Jackman’sWolverine, but nothing has surfaced as truth. Audiences will have to hold onto those predictions until the film officially arrives, which is enough to pack seats with fans eager to see if their desires come full circle.
Despite the hidden surprises that may linger around the corner, the film is stillaDoctor Strangestoryat its core and looks to explore a character who is still growing and evolving. “There’s a lot of reckoning,” expressed Cumberbatch about the film. “And a lot of self-discovery. Strange is almost a stranger to himself before this film unfolds and reveals what, essentially, is in his nature, that he then has to either confront or resist or fall into or become. There are some very bold ideas, and some extraordinary tests of Strange and encounters. There are some very unexpected conclusions.” It’ll be interesting to see how things unfold for Strange, especially since the multiverse is relatively new for the character.
Spider-Man: No Way Homeset the barincredibly high, which has made the achievements of other projects feel minuscule. Only three films have ever crossed the $800 million domestic box office milestone, highlighting the rarity of such success. Cumberbatch, however, sees a path for the newestDoctor Strangeinstallment to enter into the conversation.Spider-Man: No Way Homelived up to expectations, providing an experience for audiences worth remembering. The ambition behind the Sam Raimi-directedDoctor Strange 2is clear, but living up to expectations is an entirely different story. The optimism, however, present in the film’s leading actor should spark hope that another experience worth remembering is fast approaching.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswill arrive in theaters on June 08, 2025.
