Don't Sleep on Doctor Strange: Why the Sorcerer Supreme Will Be Marvel's Phase 4 Savior

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First, five years without a Sorcerer Supreme protecting the planet definitely had its consequences. We know that Doctor Strange's partner Wong was not affected by Thanos’ initial snap, but can it be assumed that he was able to hold it down and keep watch over the entire multiverse during Strange’s absence? I don’t think so. It was made a point in the first Strange film that there always has to be a Sorcerer Supreme present to watch over the Multiverse, that's why he was thrust into the position in the first place. There’s no telling what type of threats could have befallen earth without any real mystic protection. We already know the MCU is not the same after the five-year time jump—Skrulls [Ed Note: SPOILER ALERT] posing as Nick Fury, and possibly anyone at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, attests to this—and Doctor Strange is one of the best options in handling these large scale threats.

He is also literally the mystical Michael Jordan. As Sorcerer Supreme, he has the ability to bend space and time. This is not your neighborhood Spider-Man (no shade), he isn’t just saving a city or planet, he has the power to save universes. Let me repeat, universes. He is the new go-to hero to fight Thanos-level threats and beyond going forward in the MCU. One of the many places Doctor Strange fell short was in not showcasing his powers properly, but I know you saw how he was handling Thanos before he got overpowered by the stones in Infinity War. He not only has the Time Stone at his disposal—which can be used to manipulate time and literally see into the future—but also a gauntlet of mystic powers and techniques. Just from the comics, the good doctor’s powers include access to a variety of mystic spells, levitation, time manipulation, summoning otherworldly beings, astral projection and hyper-intelligence. AKA, he’s a big deal.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is slated to start filming in 2020 and released May 7, 2021. It will also feature Elizabeth Olsen reprising her role as Scarlet Witch in the film as well. With Scarlet Witch being one of the closest ties the MCU has with the world of mutants (because she was originally a mutant herself in the comics) and her ridiculous level of power as well, there have been rumors that she might alter reality and bring Vision back to life in her solo series. Who better than the Sorcerer Supreme to rectify what multiverse mayhem Wanda may have caused? Director Scott Derrickson also said that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be “the first scary MCU film” which could be hinting at classic Doctor Strange villain Nightmare being the main antagonist who has the power to alter people's dreams and sense of reality. It would take a being as powerful as Strange to restore commonality to the Universe if this is the case. This film will be the fifth project in Phase 4 and I think it will act as the glue that holds Phase 4 together, establishing the multidimensional stakes. 

It makes sense why Marvel fans who are only familiar with the movies would write off Strange. Now entering Phase 4 with Steve Rogers seemingly “dead” (according to Spider-Man: Far From Home), Iron Man actually dead, Thor and Captain Marvel in space and The Hulk...not smashing, the stage is set for Doctor Strange to help lead the charge against the next major threat to the MCU.

Look, all I’m saying is there was a reason why Doctor Strange had to get dusted at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. He would’ve been a problem to deal with. In the comics, he has been seen being able to go toe to toe with the likes of The Hulk and others by himself. We haven’t even scratched the surface of all his mystic powers and Phase 4 will be the perfect stage for them. He isn’t going to be the next Iron Man; he wil be the only Doctor Strange.

In short? Put some respect on Doctor Stephen Strange’s name.