One of the most anticipated upcoming MCU films is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The sequel promises to further explore the titular hero's character as well as open up new and exciting areas of the MCU. With Sam Raimi stepping in as the film's new director and the rumored horror vibe, it's hard not to be excited.
Of course, there is always room for improvement and there were certain aspects of Doctor Strange that could be bettered in this next adventure. However, there are also a lot of things that the original film did well that the sequel should stick to. By mixing things up and remembering what worked the first time, Doctor Strange 2 could be a big leap up for the franchise.
Can Improve: The Time Stone
As the Infinity Saga continued to build up to Thanos' big moment, Doctor Strange seemed like the perfect hero to introduce one of the missing Infinity Stones. The Time Stone played a big role in Strange's first solo film as well as his role in Avengers: Infinity War.
But as cool as the Time Stone is, it's too powerful of a weapon to have around. If Strange has something that can reverse time or show him the future, it robs the adventure of a lot of its stakes. The sequel should find a way to get rid of the Time Stone so it doesn't become a crutch.
Keep The Same: The Hidden World Of Sorcerers
Doctor Strange opened up a whole new side of the MCU with the introduction of the Mystic Arts and other dimensions. What was cool about this was that it was all hidden in plain sight the whole time.
The Sorcerer Supreme and the Masters of the Mystic Arts are part of an ancient order that has been defending reality for years. There are clearly members all over the world. It would be fascinating to explore this past and show how expansive it is.
Can Improve: Dull Villain
Despite having a talented actor like Mads Mikkelsen in the role, Kaecilius proved to be one of the more forgettable villains in the MCU thus far. This has been a constant criticism of the comic book franchise, but they have really shown improvement with their villains in recent films.
The sequel needs to have a compelling and formidable antagonist who is not just a darker version of the hero. Rumors suggest the villain might be Nightmare, the ruler of the Dream Dimension, which would certainly be interesting.
Keep The Same: Dormammu
Though Kaecilius wasn't much of a main villain, the first film did introduce a more interesting and bigger threat with Dormammu. In the comics, Dormammu is one of Strange's most well-known foes and the ruler of the Dark Dimension.
He made for an intriguing Big Bad in his brief appearance and it would be fun to learn more about him and his dimension. It could be that Dormammu becomes a big threat to the entire MCU in the future.
Can Improve: Unnecessary Romance
There are a lot of things the MCU films do well, but they don't have a great track record with their romances. The romance between Strange and Christine Palmer feels shoehorned into the story and totally unnecessary.
Christine will reportedly not be in the sequel but Scarlet Witch will be. Here's hoping the film doesn't go for the obvious route of having Strange and Wanda fall for each other. They can team up without there being any romance.
Keep The Same: Strange And Wong
One relationship that worked really well in the first film was the one between Strange and Wong. From the start, Wong isn't sure how much he actually likes this new sorcerer named Strange. They butt heads but come to respect each other.
In Infinity War, they have become full-blown buddies and feel like a perfect pair. Though Scarlet Witch is a fun new addition to the sequel, hopefully her presence won't push Wong out of the story and this friendship can continue.
Can Improve: Mordo's Turn
Another key character in the first film was Mordo, one of the Ancient One's most loyal followers and a fellow sorcerer. Though he is an enemy of Strange in the comics, Mordo is his ally in the film. However, the ending suggests he is flirting with the dark side going forward.
Mordo turning his back on the Ancient One seemed somewhat abrupt in the film and his line about "too many sorcerers" needs to be expanded on. Hopefully his return will dig deeper into his villainous turn and allow it to feel more earned.
Keep The Same: Strange's Growing Powers
Doctor Strange told the origin story of Stephen Strange's introduction to the Mystic Arts. By the time he returns in Avengers: Infinity War, he is a much more powerful sorcerer. Though it was fun to see him find his footing in this world, fans want to see more of what he's capable of.
Strange's fight with Thanos was one of the most entertaining action sequences in the MCU. Seeing Strange bend reality, duplicate himself, and unlock all sorts of abilities we've never seen was so much fun. Here's hoping the sequel continues to show his new set of magic skills.
Can Improve: Strange's Past Life
Strange has a very compelling origin story as an arrogant yet talented surgeon whose talent is taken from him. It provided a solid foundation for the character to grow, but once the world of the Mystic Arts was introduced, the life of an E.R. doctor was just not as thrilling.
There are so many interesting ways the sequel can expand on the character. It would be a shame if it chose to focus on his old life. Strange seems to have come a long way and it feels appropriate that he would have moved on.
Keep The Same: Strange's Dilemma As A Hero
As a doctor, Strange was a very rational and strategic man. Those habits seem to have made their way into his life as a superhero. In Avengers: Infinity War, Strange tells Tony Stark that he is responsible for defending all of reality, which means he cannot focus on saving the few at the cost of the many.
This is a fascinating take on a hero and one that should be explored more. To see Strange confronted with the idea of sacrificing one person for the greater good could be riveting.