According to new rumors, Marvel Studios plans to release Doctor Strange 3 sooner rather than later.
While Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was not released until May 2022, despite its commercial success, the film set up more than it accomplished.
Following the announcements of the Multiverse Saga, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, and Secret Wars, fans questioned Stephen Strange’s participation and how his sequel would contribute.
New rumors suggest that Benedict Cumberbatch’s three-eyed sorcerer may star in his own threequel before the Avengers reconvene.
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Is Doctor Strange 3 coming before Avengers 6?
According to insider Jason Kane (Greatphase), Marvel intends to release another Doctor Strange film before Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, this time with Scott Derrickson in charge.
The scooper claimed in a tweet that 2026 will include ” Doctor Strange 3, Kang Dynasty, and Eternals Sequel:”
” Doctor Strange 3, Kang Dynasty, and Eternals Sequel will be released in 2026. Instead of pushing Avatar 4 to May 2027, they are considering moving it to November or delaying it by a year to give Secret Wars December.”
Big Screen Leaks backed up some of the details of this rumor by posting the following:
“I’ve also heard this. But I’m not sure if Derrickson will return.”
Scott Derrickson directed Doctor Strange in 2016 and was set to direct Doctor Strange 2 before Sam Raimi was brought on board.
While multiple sources claim that Doctor Strange 3 will be released sooner rather than later, there are currently no untitled release dates ahead of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
As a result, if Marvel intends to release Doctor Strange 3 – or any other MCU film – before Avengers 5, as these rumors suggest, delays will be required.
It’s also worth noting that James Cameron has already hinted at delaying Avatar 4 to 2027, which would allow for some more rescheduling and a lucrative December 2026 slot.
In addition, Charlize Theron hinted in October that she “has some work to do” with her Doctor Strange 2 character, Clea.
Is There Going to Be a New MCU Theatrical Slate?
There was never any doubt that Doctor Strange would make another appearance on the big screen.
Prior to the release of Multiverse of Madness, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige referred to Benedict Cumberbatch as “the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Following the glowing endorsement and the release of Doctor Strange 2, Cumberbatch teased the character’s “really exciting future” and that there are “a lot more adventures I want to have with him.”
The question was whether Strange would have any presence in the MCU prior to Avengers 5 and 6.
However, given Strange’s connections to the Multiverse and his role as a leader, it makes sense that Marvel would want a Doctor Strange film to lead into Kang Dynasty, even if it means delaying the film.
If this is the case, Avengers 5 and possibly 6 would not be the only MCU projects to be delayed.
While other films will almost certainly be rescheduled, there is already evidence that Marvel plans to delay several MCU Disney+ series as well.
Scott Derrickson’s involvement in the film is also not surprising, especially given the poor reception of Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange 2.
If these rumors are true, Marvel Studios may make a few announcements about its updated slate in the coming weeks, ahead of Kang the Conqueror’s first MCU film, Ant-Man, and the Wasp: Quantumania.
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