Rumors are running wild about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, leading to a growing list of potential character cameos using the multiverse. In the aftermath of the Avengers messing with time travel in Avengers: Endgame, the multiverse has become a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. MCU Phase 4 is going all in on this concept and Doctor Strange 2 is set to explore the multiverse as part of the next chapter of Stephen Strange's journey.
The MCU has toyed with the idea of the multiverse for a few years, as Doctor Strange alluded to the possibility of other universes existing beyond what Loki deemed the Sacred Timeline. The Disney+ show offered just a glimpse of what is possible as a result of the multiverse, as the series revolved various Loki variants and introduced Kang the Conqueror. After that, Marvel's What If...? showed various universes that exist within the MCU multiverse, while Spider-Man: No Way Home tapped into the endless possibilities to bring back heroes and villains from previous Spider-Man franchises. The latter proved just how easy it is now for Marvel Studios to incorporate characters that were previously not part of the MCU, raising expectations that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could do the same on a much larger scale.
Even though plot details on Doctor Strange 2 are still mostly unknown, it is clear that the movie will include multiple versions of Doctor Strange as the MCU's main version attempts to deal with a problem that threatens multiple realities. This has led to an endless supply of rumors about who could appear. The rumors range from characters confirmed to be part of the MCU multiverse, actors from past Marvel movies or those who missed out on a prior role, and even some new casting decisions that could impact the MCU for years to come. It might be unlikely that all of the various rumors turn out to be correct, but here's every multiverse character rumored for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Wolverine (Hugh Jackman)
There have been various rumors about Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine for an MCU appearance in Doctor Strange 2. Jackman played the adamantium-infused mutant for nearly two decades as part of Fox's X-Men franchise. He's said in the past he'd be open to playing the character again in the MCU for the right reason, so Marvel Studios could have convinced him to return in Phase 4. There are conflicting reports about whether or not Jackman's Wolverine/Logan is in Doctor Strange 2's multiverse, though.
Professor X (Patrick Stewart or James McAvoy)
Rumors also continue to circulate that a version of Professor X is in Doctor Strange 2, but it's unclear if that will be done with Patrick Stewart or James McAvoy. Stewart was the original Charles Xavier for Fox's X-Men movies and last appeared in 2017's Logan. McAvoy took over the role as a young Professor X starting with X-Men: First Class in 2011 and played the powerful mutant telepath four times, including in Dark Phoenix. Rumors suggest whichever version of Professor X that appears could be part of the MCU's multiverse Illuminati.
Iron Man (Tom Cruise)
There are also plenty of rumors that Tom Cruise will appear as Iron Man in Doctor Strange 2. The reason for these rumors stems from the Iron Man movie Tom Cruise was attached to star in prior to the MCU beginning. The film never materialized and Cruise missed his opportunity to play Tony Stark. That said, it's a far-fetched idea and extremely unlikely. However, given his significant star power and focus on franchises, a multiverse cameo in Doctor Strange 2 where he's an Iron Man variant might interest him.
Reed Richards (John Krasinski)
It has also been suggested that John Krasinski will appear as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange 2. The former star of The Office has long been a fan-favorite to play Mr. Fantastic in the MCU. He is rumored to appear in the sequel, although whether that comes as the MCU's main version of Reed Richards that he'll play for many years or as a Mr. Fantastic variant remains to be seen. In either case, this could be where Krasinski makes his superhero debut after failing to land the Captain America role many years ago.
Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire)
Following his return in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Tobey Maguire could also return to play Peter Parker again in Doctor Strange 2. This has been a prominent rumor ever since the initial No Way Home reports began and once original Spider-Man director Sam Raimi took over Doctor Strange 2. The sequel could be the opportunity for them to reunite in some fashion, possibly even by showing Peter's life after Spider-Man 3.
Magneto (Michael Fassbender)
Michael Fassbender's Magneto might also appear in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness according to rumors. Fassbender played the metal-bending mutant in four X-Men movies, with Dark Phoenix marking his last appearance. It's unclear how his appearance would factor into the movie, but an interaction between Magneto and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) could allow the father and daughter from the comics to interact for the first time, even if that family tie isn't kept.
Jean Grey (Sophie Turner)
Some rumors also suggest Sophie Turner's Jean Grey could return in Doctor Strange 2. Sophie Turner took over the role in 2017's X-Men: Apocalypse after Famke Jansen played her in the original Fox X-Men trilogy. The potential return of Sophie Turner's Jean Grey, if she's the same version from Fox's X-Men franchise, could reveal what happened to her after Dark Phoenix's ending or potentially even set her up to be the MCU's version of the Omega-level mutant.
Black Bolt
Rumors also suggest Black Bolt could make his MCU debut in Doctor Strange 2. The silent leader of the Inhumans previously appeared in ABC's failed TV show, but Marvel Studios reportedly has ideas to incorporate a new version of Black Bolt. This could be done as part of the setup for the MCU's Illuminati, as Black Bolt is traditionally a member of the team. Vin Diesel has long wanted to play the character, but there is no actor attached to these rumors of Black Bolt's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness appearance.
Ghost Rider
Another Marvel character who could join the MCU in Doctor Strange 2 is Ghost Rider. Nicolas Cage previously played Johnny Blaze in two Ghost Rider movies, while Gabriel Luna played Robbie Reyes in Agents of SHIELD. It's unknown if either actor returned to reprise their roles for the multiverse, but Cage is the more likely option of the two. Marvel Studios might also use a Ghost Rider cameo to cast a new actor in the role who can play the character long after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Deadpool
Rumors also suggest Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool could make his way to the MCU in Doctor Strange 2. This is one of the more likely cameos to happen since Marvel Studios already has Deadpool 3 in development, which will bring the Merc with a Mouth from Fox's timeline to the MCU. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could explain how Deadpool - and any of his friends - make the move to a new universe prior to his sequel.
Captain Carter
It has been suggested that Hayley Atwell could make her live-action debut as Captain Carter from What If...? in Doctor Strange 2. Atwell's Captain Carter was a prominent character in the animated series, and there has long been interest in seeing the actress take on a bigger role in the MCU. Now that What If...? already made her a multiverse hero, it'd make sense for Captain Carter to appear and help save the MCU somehow.
Loki
Tom Hiddleston's Loki variant from Loki is also expected to appear in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Loki and Doctor Strange previously crossed paths in Thor: Ragnarok, but this appearance would involve the MCU's newer version of the God of Mischief after Loki season 1's finale. Given his understanding of the multiverse and role in potentially breaking it, as well as his magical abilities, a Loki appearance seems quite likely.
Sylvie
There are also rumors Loki's other Loki variant, Sylvie, played by Sophia Di Martino, will be in Doctor Strange 2. She is largely responsible for breaking the Sacred Timeline since she killed He Who Remains. For that reason, her involvement in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness would make sense and set up Sylvie's role in Loki season 2.
Mobius M. Mobius
Doctor Strange 2 is also rumored to include an appearance by Mobius M. Mobius (Owen Wilson). His involvement in the movie is unclear but would come after his scene-stealing role in Loki. It could even suggest a presence of the TVA as Doctor Strange potentially visits and messes with different realities.
Monica Rambeau
Other rumors suggest Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) will make an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but she won't be the one audiences currently know. The rumored Monica cameo involves a variant version of her where she is Captain Marvel of another universe. This would come before Parris' return as the MCU's regular Monica in The Marvels following her last seen in WandaVision.
Hydra Steve Rogers
Chris Evans' Captain America return has also been rumored for Doctor Strange 2, but the rumors involve a darker variant, Hydra Captain America. This cameo would mean not revealing any additional information about Steve Rogers' life with Peggy that Avengers: Endgame teased. Instead, it could show audiences what a truly evil version of the American hero would be like.
Ultron
It has also been suggested that Ultron could return through the multiverse in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This would come after Ultron became a multiversal threat in What If...?, which could make the killer AI another connection between the show and movie. If that is the case, the multiverse Ultron could be voiced by Paul Bettany again instead of James Spader.
Key Release Dates
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Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Release Date:2022-05-06 -
Thor: Love and Thunder
Release Date:2022-07-08 -
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Release Date:2022-11-11 -
captain marvel 2
Release Date:2023-07-28 -
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Release Date:2023-05-05 -
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Release Date:2023-02-17
