Marvel fans currently are in the dark when it comes to the slate of films planned beyond Avengers 4. Yes, we know that Spider-Man: Far From Home is being filmed as we speak, and there's supposed to be a third Guardians of the Galaxy movie (though, the behind-the-scenes shake up could lead to a delay). Still, there are educated guesses that MCU fans could make, and Doctor Strange 2 certainly would be one of those anticipated sequels. Which makes this cryptic Instagram post from Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson seem like a major tease:
The quote associated with the image of a praying Stephen Vincent Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a New Testament quote that belongs to Jesus Christ, speaking to his Father regarding his crucifixion and resurrection. Given the fact that Strange currently is a pile of dust, having sacrificed himself as part of Thanos' snap -- a move that we believe will eventually allow him to save many -- there's Biblical meaning behind the phrase.
But it's "See you in September" on Scott Derrickson's Instagram that really has caught our eye. Immediately, we assume that this means the start of production on Doctor Strange 2. (If it was anything else, why pair it with the comic image of Strange?) And, there are dates on the Marvel Studios calendar that would sync up with a possible Doctor Strange 2. As if right now, in 2020, Marvel has three dates with no proper titles -- May 1, July 31 and November 6. We believed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would take that May 1 slot. Does that mean Doctor Strange 2 will be July 31? Or might it move up and replace Guardians 3, as Marvel figures out who will direct that sequel?
Announcing any Marvel sequel creates complications in the wake of Avengers: Infinity War, as the heroes who need to carry those films are all dust at the moment. Spider-Man (Tom Holland), most of the Guardians, and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) all faded away following the Thanos snap, and until we know how Marvel plans to bring them back -- believe me, they are all coming back -- the sequels have to keep specific details under wraps.
But the original Doctor Strange did end with a tease that set up a confrontation with his one-time ally, Baron Mordo, who thinks there are "too many sorcerers" in the world:
We will find out, eventually, what Scott Derrickson meant when he said "See you in September" when posting a photo of Doctor Strange, praying. Is it resurrection, following the sacrifice made by Strange and his colleagues in the MCU? That's our best guess. What is yours?
