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Over the last decade, Marvel Studios has perfected the art of comic book movie adaptations. With Avengers: Endgame breaking multiple records—most recently topping Avatar as the highest-grossing films of all time— and 20 plus movies under their belt, Marvel knows what they’re doing.
As the curtain closes on Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the stage has been set for a new era in their saga. Marvel Studios unveiled their Phase 4 plans at San Diego Comic-Con, which included films like Black Widow and Eternals as well as new series for their Disney+ streaming service like Loki and WandaVision. But what stuck out the most was the announcement of the next film in the Doctor Strange series, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. As the resident Strange stan, the master of the mystic arts has not gotten the love he deserves in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. He had a lackluster origin film, got dusted by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War then made his valiant return with the rest of the heroes in Avengers: Endgame, but he has basically just been used as a supporting character for the main cast in Phase 3. With his next solo film seemingly introducing the Multiverse to the MCU and implications of a possible “Secret Invasion” story arc being followed in Phase 4, the board has been reset and it's Doctor Strange’s time to shine.
There are a few reasons why Doctor Strange will be pivotal in Phase 4.
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.
