For some fans across the world, the wait is already over as Doctor Strange is now out in some foreign markets ahead of the U.S. release next week. The film promises visuals unlike anything ever seen before on the big screen as Marvel Studios once again attempts to differentiate their films. Despite Strange being a lesser known character, casting Benedict Cumberbatch as the character is an instant boost in public appeal. The supporting cast is rounded out by Chiwetel Ejiofor (Baron Mordo), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), Benedict Wong (Wong), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer), and Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius), further adding talent to the property.

There has so far been plenty of speculation regarding the role of Kaecilius and possible larger connections he could have to the pantheon of Doctor Strange villains, but fans are also interested to see the role that Mordo will have as an ally to Strange for this appearance. Mordo has been a prime candidate to be the villain in the hypothetical -- yet likely -- sequel, but the director is teasing different plans.

In an interview with IGN, director Scott Derrickson was asked what areas he would like to explore in the sequel, should this first movie do well enough to warrant one. As it turns out, instead of turning Mordo full evil or having Dormammu brought to life, he is more interested in adapting Nightmare:

I really like the character of Nightmare and the concept that the Nightmare Realm is a dimension. [...] That’s early – that’s like the first Strange tale. I think that’s in the introductory episode of Doctor Strange, and I always loved that.

As his name suggests, Nightmare has the power to bring people to the Nightmare Realm or Dream Dimension when they are asleep. When his victims are there, he has the ability to torment them in multiple ways and has the help of his other demons from this realm. In fact, he was almost the villain in this film, but they decided against it:

We decided not to do that because that’s a bit of a complex idea to try to introduce everything we do introduce and introduce the idea of nightmares themselves as being a dimension. I hope somewhere down the line we do get to explore that because I think that’s [a] super cool concept.

Derrickson is not officially attached to a sequel at this point given the film has not been announced, but if the movie does well like many expect, Doctor Strange 2 could be a prime candidate to kick off Phase 4. Should Derrickson get the chance to use Nightmare in the sequel, the film will be able to fully explore the villain rather than share the screen with Strange's introduction. Derrickson wants to have a sequel with complicated and layered villains, but no matter who ends up being the antagonist, the sequel will probably feature a lot more mind-bending visuals.

As part of their final push for Doctor Strange, Disney Movie Rewards has unveiled an exclusive poster available for free (shipping not included) that can be yours just by linking a Disney Movie Rewards account with a Regal Crown Club membership. The poster appears to be Funko inspired, but check it out before registering:

Sources: IGN, Disney Movie Rewards