Sam Raimi Directing Doctor Stange 3 Could Still Happen

Summary

Sam Raimi is likely to direct Doctor Strange 3, following his success with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Raimi's unique directorial style includes horror elements and dark themes which is perfect for Doctor Strange.
Fans hope the next Doctor Strange film focuses more on the character's story and development instead of the multiverse.

Sam Raimi is known for his Spider-Man films and for directing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. There are rumors that he could return for a third Doctor Strange film.

Sam Raimi has been attached to multiple movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire -- Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), and Spider-Man 3 (2007). He also helmed Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, released in 2022. He is known for his unique directorial style, which includes horror elements and dark themes, making him the perfect person to direct the Doctor Strange sequel. A new report claimed that the filmmaker is in talks to direct Doctor Strange 3.

A screenshot of Doctor Strange using his Portal power in Marvel Rivals.

Marvel Rivals Player Uses Doctor Strange Portal to Wipe Out Enemy Team

During the ongoing Marvel Rivals alpha test, a player channels the power of Doctor Strange to wipe out an entire enemy team with portal magic.

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By J Brodie Shirey

Movie insider Jeff Sneider offered an update about the next Doctor Strange film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in his most recent newsletter for The InSneider. According to him, Raimi is "nearing [a] deal to direct Doctor Strange 3." The update received several responses from fans who were all open to watching another Doctor Strange from the director. "It would be welcomed. DS movies are great," one commented on the news. Another netizen wrote, "After Multiverse of Madness, I'll give him another chance." The film received a mixed reaction from fans and critics. Some loved the multiverse in action and the addition of the Illuminati cameo featuring Reed Richards (John Krasinski), Professor X (Patrick Stewart), and other fan-favorite characters. The viewers were also impressed at how imaginative the director presented the multiverse. However, a few found it too chaotic and hoped that if Doctor Strange 3 would happen, it would focus more on Stephen Strange's story instead of the multiverse.

Raimi previously talked about the powerful sorcerer's dark side following the release of The Art of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness artbook in September 2023. "[Doctor Strange is] a good person, but he's got his own psychological problems. He sometimes can be a little selfish, a little arrogant, proud. And this prevents him from being some flawless good guy," Raimi said, per CBR. "He wrestles with his dark side, and he delves into the supernatural in a way that some other magicians who are fighting for good think is immoral. Therein lies a great conflict with the character." He concluded that Doctor Strange is "a character at war with himself." Based on his response, it's interesting how Raimi would portray the character in the next film. Benedict Cumberbatch and Charlize Theron are expected to return in the next movie to reprise their roles as Doctor Strange and Clea, respectively.

Although Raimi's first Doctor Strange movie received mixed reactions from fans, many are still interested in watching another Doctor Strange movie by him. The last film was a lot to take because it explored multiple dimensions. Those who closely followed Raimi's works enjoyed his return to horror mixed with campy humor. The visuals and dark supernatural themes were also effective for the audience. Hopefully, the next film will focus more on the titular superhero's story because there is much to explore. Also, the pace should be slower so that viewers can appreciate the characters' growth and development.

Doctor Strange movies stream on Disney Plus.