If you’re a Marvel fan, you’re likely hitting theaters to see ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ this weekend. The film has already earned $36 million in Thursday previews, and is expected to bring in anywhere from $160-180 million in its opening weekend. But while we’re in the midst of nerding out over the second Doctor Strange movie, many fans are wondering what comes next. Namely, is Marvel making ‘Doctor Strange 3’?
While ‘Multiverse of Madness’ sets up plenty of questions to be answered (especially in the mid and end credits scenes) Marvel has not officially announced a sequel to the film … yet, at least. Still, ‘Multiverse of Madness’ ends with the title card “Doctor Strange will return”. But it’s unclear whether or not we will see Doctor Strange appear in cameos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or in a solo third film.
The answer? Most likely both. Marvel is currently charting the next decade of the MCU, which will no doubt include a third Doctor Strange film. And it seems that three films will be the standard for Avengers going forth (excepting Thor, whose fourth film, Love and Thunder, hits theaters this summer). 2023 will see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, both third installments, as well as the second chapter of Captain Marvel, The Marvels. It’s hard to imagine a world where Ant-Man gets a third movie but Doctor Strange does not.
But when would a third ‘Doctor Strange’ hit theaters? It could be as early as 2024, but will more likely premiere in 2025 or 2026. The first ‘Doctor Strange’ premiered in 2016, with ‘Multiverse of Madness’ coming six years later (COVID delays no doubt pushed the release date). The release of the third film also depends on if/when Marvel plans its next crossover juggernaut in the vein of Infinity War and Endgame. It doesn’t seem like we’ll be getting any news anytime soon, although I would tentatively bet on Marvel announcing their 2024 line-up (and potentially their Phase Five) at San Diego Comic-Con this year.
(image: Marvel)
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