If you've been paying any attention to your post-Avengers: Endgame Marvel developments, then you know that for months it's been assumed that Sam Raimi would be directing the next film in the Doctor Strange series, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
All that was left was for Raimi to come out and explicitly state as much without any room for ambiguity or alternative interpretations.
While talking to ComingSoon.net recently, Raimi stopped just shy of doing that. But it would seem that there will be only a few people left who need convincing after his latest quote.
For background, Raimi was talking to the outlet to promote his new Quibi series 50 States of Fright. ComingSoon discussed with Raimi a previous work of his in the Marvel universe, referencing the scene in 2004's Spider-Man 2 where J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) and Hoffman (played by Raimi's brother, Ted) are talking about potential names for Dr. Octopus. Prior to agreeing on that name, however, Hoffman suggests "Dr. Strange," which Jameson likes but says is already taken.
Cue what Raimi said about that:
“I loved Doctor Strange as a kid, but he was always after Spider-Man and Batman for me, he was probably at number five for me of great comic book characters,” Raimi revealed. “He was so original, but when we had that moment in Spider-Man 2 I had no idea that we would ever be making a Doctor Strange movie, so it was really funny to me that coincidentally that line was in the movie. I gotta say I wish we had the foresight to know that I was going to be involved in the project.”
"Involved in" is not the same as "I'm directing," but it sure sounds like a confirmation since it was reported that he was in talks to helm the project this past January (after the original director left due to creative differences).
As you probably guessed, Benedict Cumberbatch will once again assume the role as the Doctor, and Elizabeth Olsen will be back as Scarlet Witch. An upcoming Disney+ series which stars Olsen (called WandaVision) will be tied into the sequel. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also confirmed that Disney +'s Loki series will have a link to the film as well.
Actual filming has been pushed back due to the coronavirus, ans at the moment, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is expected to release on May 7, 2021.
