Marvel Studios has officially started progressing with early plans for a third Doctor Strange film, with reports now surfacing about the search for a new director. The Sam Mendes Doctor Strange 3 rumor has drawn attention, especially as Benedict Cumberbatch, who stars as the titular character, is taking on greater creative responsibilities during this phase of development.
Cumberbatch’s Growing Influence and Director Speculation
Reliable reports originating from Nexus Point News reveal that Doctor Strange 3 is now in active development, confirming growing fan anticipation. Although many expected Sam Raimi—the director behind Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and known for his work with Evil Dead and Spider-Man—to return for the sequel, current signals suggest otherwise. Benedict Cumberbatch is now notably involved behind the scenes, helping to steer the project’s direction and to identify the next writer and director.
Nexus Point News highlighted an evolving dynamic:
“Benedict Cumberbatch is becoming more involved behind the scenes this time around, particularly in the search for a new writer and director. One name Cumberbatch is said to be interested in is Sam Mendes, though that seems unlikely given Mendes has four Beatles biopics on his plate. Neither Sam Raimi nor Michael Waldron are expected to return for the third installment.”
— Nexus Point News
Sam Mendes, recognized for his acclaimed work on titles like Skyfall and 1917, is reportedly a preferred choice for Cumberbatch. However, his current commitments having to do with multiple Beatles biopics may make his attachment difficult. Both Sam Raimi and Michael Waldron, who contributed heavily to the success of the last Doctor Strange installment, are said not to be returning for this project.
Strong Legacy and Box Office Success
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Marvel’s previous journey into the mystical and multiversal, was overall well-received by critics and achieved a notable 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While opinions among Marvel fans were mixed, the film still grossed more than $950 million worldwide, securing the franchise’s return as a wise business move for Marvel Studios.
New Storylines and Returning Characters Teased
As of now, plot details for Doctor Strange 3 remain tightly under wraps. However, the character Clea, as portrayed by Charlize Theron, was introduced during the last film’s closing moments, fueling speculation that she will play a more prominent role in the upcoming story. Speculation has arisen around the movie possibly exploring the “Time Runs Out” narrative from the original comics, which commands fan interest as a logical next step in light of past story arcs.
Cumberbatch Shares His Enthusiasm and Hopes
Benedict Cumberbatch was recently asked in an interview about reprising his role as the former Sorcerer Supreme. He shared his ongoing passion for the franchise:
“I hope so. I would love to do another one. Doctor Strange is such a complex character and it feels like there is so much more to explore with him. He is such a brilliant character and I’m still having a wild time playing him.”
— Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor
The Previous Film’s Impact and the Road Ahead
The most recent film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, widened the Marvel Cinematic Universe in new ways, taking audiences through alternate realities as Doctor Strange, assisted by longtime mystical allies and new faces, confronted unpredictable threats. The film featured an ensemble cast that included Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams, all under the direction of Sam Raimi. Kevin Feige produced, with executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, and Jamie Christopher, while Michael Waldron wrote the screenplay.
With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness now streaming and momentum building behind the scenes, fans can expect updates as Marvel Studios and Benedict Cumberbatch continue the search for fresh visionary leadership, with the possibility of Sam Mendes lending his skill to this high-profile sequel still alive, if challenging.
