MCU newcomer Xochitl Gomez details the lengthy audition process she had to go through in order to get the role of America Chavez for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Set to premiere in theaters this May, Doctor Strange 2 will take the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a brand new direction as the multiverse comes for its heroes in earnest. Benedict Cumberbatch returns to play Dr. Stephen Strange, and he'll be joined by some familiar faces from his previous solo movie, such as Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Sam Raimi directs Doctor Strange 2, his first Marvel movie since 2007's Spider-Man 3.

With its multiversal premise that can allow for actors from past non-MCU Marvel movies to return, Doctor Strange 2 is shaping up to be a jam-packed movie. Between the multiverse, Stephen's continuing journey, and the first post-WandaVision appearance of Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), there are a lot of elements Raimi's film must contend with. Then, on top of all that, Doctor Strange 2 will introduce a major character in Gomez's America Chavez. In the comics, America is a powerful member of the Young Avengers, and she's likely going to become a big player in the MCU.

Related: How Doctor Strange 2's America Chavez Would Have Changed No Way Home

As part of the spring 2022 issue of D23 magazine (via The Direct), Gomez laid out all the steps she went through to earn the part of America Chavez. She said she didn't realize she was auditioning for Doctor Strange 2 at first, and that she had to wait months to hear back. Once Gomez caught Marvel's eye, though, things moved very quickly. Gomez said:

"In March 2020, I had my first self-tape audition, and it was for an unknown Marvel project. I didn't hear anything for a long time. Then, I got a call in August to tape again, but with completely new fake sides [script excerpts] and a new fake character name.

"A week later, I got a call from my agent who said that I was pinned, which means they're very serious about you. A few days after that, I got an offer to screen test in London. I had about 10 days to get my passport ready and got on a plane.

"I looked around and there were four cameras and like 80 crew members. It was a real, working film set. Most screen tests aren't like that. It was scary because that was the first time I met Benedict [Cumberbatch]. I was so nervous to do a scene with him. But he was super nice, and so were Sam [Raimi] and Richie [Palmer]. As intimidating as it was, everyone made me feel welcome."

Blended image of Xochitl Gomez and America Chavez

Marvel is usually very careful about not revealing major details about their projects even during the audition process, and based on Gomez's Doctor Strange 2 experience, that practice is still alive and well. Gomez previously said that she was able to work out that she was auditioning for Doctor Strange 2 because there was a reference to a sorcerer. However, the eventual reveal that she would be playing America Chavez was a delightful surprise.

So far, each trailer for Doctor Strange 2 has revealed only a tiny bit of America's role, mainly showing her in the background of action scenes with Stephen. While the nature of their partnership isn't clear just yet, it does look like America will play a pivotal role in Doctor Strange 2, so it isn't surprising that Gomez's audition process was quite lengthy. Marvel wanted to make sure they had the perfect actress. The studio's casting track record is quite good, so it's probably safe to say Gomez will make an excellent America. Fans will get to find out for themselves this May.

More: Doctor Strange 2: How America Chavez's Star-Shaped Multiverse Portals Work

Source: D23 (via The Direct)

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