Doctor Strange Writer Reveals Scrapped Plans for Nightmare as MCU Villain

Was Nightmare Originally Planned as the First Doctor Strange Villain?

Yes. Writer C. Robert Cargill revealed that he and director Scott Derrickson wanted Nightmare to be the villain of the first Doctor Strange film. Marvel Studios liked the concept but felt Nightmare was “more of a second movie character,” leading to the decision to go with Dormammu and Kaecilius instead.

What Would Nightmare’s Story Have Looked Like?

According to Cargill, their vision involved exploring “alternate realities and dream logic.” Doctor Strange would have battled Nightmare, the master of the Dream Dimension, in a surreal and reality-bending story. The idea leaned heavily into psychological horror and dreamscapes, something Derrickson and Cargill were eager to explore.

Why Was Nightmare Cut From the Sequel Too?

Cargill explained he was not brought onto Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness before Derrickson left the project. Instead, Marvel pivoted to Scarlet Witch as the main antagonist, with writer Michael Waldron noting they wanted a more “multiversal adversary” than Nightmare.

Could Nightmare Still Appear in the MCU?

Despite being scrapped twice, Cargill said he “would love to go back and write a Nightmare script for Marvel.” The villain remains one of Strange’s most powerful foes in the comics, ruling over the Dream Realm. Fans speculate that his introduction could fit into a future Doctor Strange 3, especially after Clea’s post-credits arrival in Multiverse of Madness.

Why Would Nightmare Be a Perfect Villain for Doctor Strange 3?

Dormammu has already been tackled, and Scarlet Witch has had her turn as Strange’s adversary. Bringing in Nightmare would explore a new mystical corner of the MCU while giving Strange a unique challenge—fighting an enemy who controls dreams and reality itself. If Clea’s sudden appearance is linked to the Dream Realm, Marvel may already be setting the stage.