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The Marvel Cinematic Universe's 22-movie Infinity Saga ended with Avengers: Endgame. And with Phase Three in the rear view, the possibilities seem endless regarding the future of the shared universe. Marvel Studios revealed its plans through 2022, and one of the exciting sequels hitting theaters in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Scott Derrickson is back directing Stephen Strange's second solo flick, and the movie just took an exciting step forward.
Not much is know about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, other than its release date and three stars. But Scott Derrickson has officially begun assembling his team, signing on Jade Bartlett to write the upcoming blockbuster's script. This will mark her first major movie as a writer. It's currently unclear if Derrickson will be co-writing, as he was credited in his original Doctor Strange movie.
This news comes to us from Collider, and is sure to be exciting for the countless MCU fans out there. The shared universe is currently riding high on the success of The Russo Brothers' set of Avengers movie, as well as the strong performance of Spider-Man: Far From Home. So any details about the next slate of films are welcomed updates during the interim period between phases.
2016's Doctor Strange was a game changer for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a wild and visual ride unique to other franchises. Scott Derrickson utilized trippy visuals reminiscent of Inception, and brought magic in the shared universe in a major way. And the upcoming sequel has even more limitless narrative potential, especially with Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch joining the adventure.
Related: Doctor Strange Director Teased Scarlet Witch’s Inclusion Years Ago
Following his solo movie, Benedict Cumberbatch's Stephen Strange crossed over to the larger MCU in Avengers: Infinity War. He had a meaty role in the record-breaking movie, joining forces with Tony Stark in New York, before eventually traveling to space for the battle on titan. And after giving Thanos the Time Stone and fading to dust from The Snap, he popped back up in Endgame for the final battle against the Mad Titan. It should be interesting to see how heavily the sequel is inspired by Doctor Strange's comic adventures, which are available for fans here.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' title teases some high concepts in the upcoming sequel. The multiverse is something briefly touched on in Endgame, mostly through the Time Heist. Scott Derrickson could seemingly take the story anywhere, and Scarlet Witch will be a welcomed addition. She'll also be getting her own Disney+ series in Phase Four, titled Wandavision.
Since Jade Bartlett is an unknown writer, it's unclear what she'll bring to the table for Doctor Strange's sequel. But her inclusion shows an ongoing effort from the studio to includes women's voices, both in front and behind the camera.
The next installment in the MCU is Cate Shortland's Black Widow in May 1st, 2020, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will make its way to theaters one year later on May 7, 2021. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
