‘Doctor Strange’ Sequel Still On Track For June Start Despite Coronavirus Outbreak

Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is reportedly still on track to begin production as scheduled despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced studios to shut down or postpone production on multiple projects, all in an effort to protect cast and crew members from being exposed and to slow the spread of the virus. Among the many projects that have been forced to suspend filming due to the pandemic is Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legends of Ten Rings, leaving fans to wonder if the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel might delay production as well.

Now, Variety reports that sources say production on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is still on track to begin in June 2020. The outlet also notes that pre-production on the sequel has been able to continue remotely.

Variety’s report notes that most studios are telling their representatives and talent that production on these stalled projects is unlikely to resume until mid-May at the earliest, which would allow the Doctor Strange sequel to begin filming on schedule if true. However, the outlet also points out that the coronavirus pandemic is not expected to hit its peak in major shooting locations like New York until the end of April, meaning the mid-May expectation may be “overly optimistic.”

Details on The Multiverse of Madness are currently limited, though it is said to feature horror elements. Furthermore, the Disney Plus mini-series WandaVision will also serve as the lead-in to the sequel.

Scott Derrickson is still attached to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an executive producer while Sam Raimi is reportedly in talks to direct from a script written by Michael Waldron. The sequel will star Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong and Elizabeth Olsen, but Rachel McAdams is not expected to return.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2021.

Source: Variety