Doctor Strange 3: What to Expect as the MCU’s Multiverse Saga Unfolds
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) builds towards the highly anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Doctor Strange 3 to push forward the Multiverse Saga narrative. Although Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hinted at Stephen Strange’s future adventures, Marvel Studios has yet to officially confirm a third installment, leaving fans uncertain about the sorcerer’s next solo outing.
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The Future of Doctor Strange in the MCU
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness set the stage for Benedict Cumberbatch’s potential return as the titular sorcerer in either a new Doctor Strange film or one of the upcoming Avengers movies. Despite its stellar box office performance, earning over $950 million worldwide, the film received mixed reactions from fans. This has led to speculation about whether a third solo film is necessary, especially with Cumberbatch expected to play a significant role in the next Avengers films.
At San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios focused on its 2025 slate and the upcoming Avengers titles, leaving the fate of Doctor Strange 3 in question. However, fans remain hopeful that the threequel will be announced soon.
When Could Doctor Strange 3 Be Released?
If Doctor Strange 3 is greenlit, it’s likely to be released before Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set to premiere on May 7, 2027. Disney has four untitled Marvel Studios film release dates slated for 2026 and 2027:
Untitled Marvel 1: February 13, 2026
Untitled Marvel 2: November 6, 2026
Untitled Marvel 3: July 23, 2027
Untitled Marvel 4: November 5, 2027
Doctor Strange 3 could potentially occupy any of these dates. The earliest slot, February 13, 2026, seems plausible as it would lead directly into Avengers: Doomsday. This theory gains traction considering the post-credits scene of Multiverse of Madness, where Clea (Charlize Theron) informs Strange of an Incursion event he caused. The scene teased a new adventure in the Dark Dimension, which could be explored further in Doctor Strange 3.
However, if Doctor Strange 3 ties directly into the events of Avengers: Doomsday, the November 6, 2026 release date becomes the next likely option, bridging the gap between the two Avengers films.
A 2027 release for Doctor Strange 3 seems unlikely, as Marvel Studios is expected to shift focus to new properties, such as the X-Men, following Avengers: Secret Wars. While a post-Multiverse Saga epilogue film could theoretically be released in July 2027, it would be surprising if it were Doctor Strange 3, given how central the character is to the ongoing Multiverse narrative.
What Could Happen?
The storyline for Doctor Strange 3 will depend heavily on where it fits within the broader MCU timeline. If the film is set before Avengers: Doomsday, it could explore Strange’s efforts to strengthen his abilities in preparation for a looming Multiversal threat. Fans might see deeper explorations of Strange’s lore, possibly introducing characters like Brother Voodoo or Earth-616’s Mordo.
There’s also strong fan interest in an adaptation of the “Into the Dark Dimension” storyline, focusing on Strange’s relationship with Clea and possibly bringing back Dormammu as a villain. Additionally, some fans hope for a more horror-oriented tone, with a narrative centered on Strange’s development as the Sorcerer Supreme, steering away from the broader Multiverse themes.
Whether Sam Raimi returns as director for Doctor Strange 3 will also play a significant role in shaping the film’s plot, themes, and tone.
