With each passing day, we draw closer and closer to the release of the next film that takes place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That film is, of course, Doctor Strange, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role. The film, which is directed by Scott Derrickson, will also feature actors Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer/Night Nurse), Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius) and Benedict Wong (Wong).
All of those characters have one thing in common. They are all in their first appearance in an MCU film. So while Doctor Strange, also known as the Sorcerer Supreme, may become a cornerstone within the universe, he has yet to be established. Obviously that all changes on November 4th when the film is released. But like the last film that featured a new key player within the universe, Antman, fans do not know much about the characters going into the film.
Then add on the fact that this is going to be a very different kind of Marvel film, as it will have some horror themes (Derrickson’s forte), plus be the introduction to magic within the MCU. With all of that, Marvel is likely to drop a familiar face into the mix for a brief scene, just to remind fans, it is all connected. Stephen Strange may be new to us, but he is set to be joining forces with current fan favorites by the time Avengers: Infinity Wars rolls around.
It is not uncommon for Marvel to mix in someone we know when bringing in a new, more obscure hero. We once again go back to the Antman example, as it was the most recent film to be centered around a new character that fans would eventually get behind. In that film, Anthony Mackie’ s Falcon made a special guest appearance. So that brings us back to the point of this article: Which established Marvel character is the most likely to make an appearance in Doctor Strange.
Thor
Thor will be in action next year, with Thor: Ragnarok hitting theaters virtually a year after Doctor Strange, on November 3rd, 2017. That film is currently shooting in Australia and has led to some speculation about a connection between the God of Thunder and the Sorcerer Supreme.
While filming, Chris Hemsworth’s character was spotted on a New York style set holding a piece of paper with Strange’s home address. This could very well signal Strange will make a guest appearance in that film. But does it mean Thor himself could appear in Strange’s movie?
To a degree yes, I think it could. But it is not going to be a very long appearance, and would likely be saved for the mid-credit scene. I could certainly picture a mid-credit scene where Thor lands in New York, pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and says “This. This is where I will find the next stone” as the camera zooms in on the address.
It would immediately make a connection between the two characters, and would help get fans excited for the next Thor film. While it would have minimal impact on this film, it helps cement Strange as part of a much bigger world.
Spider-Man
Doctor Strange’s home base is in New York City. Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, lives in Queens. Tom Holland, the actor who plays Peter Parker, made a visit to the Doctor Strange set during filming, as seen on Instagram. So, I am just connecting some dots.
It could all amount to nothing. But it could also amount to the best possible cameo in this film. Tom Holland played Peter Parker to perfection in Captain America: Civil War, and if he shows up in this film, it will likely be as the quirky teen and not the crime fighting web-slinger.
So maybe while Strange is walking the streets of New York he bumps into Peter. It could lead to one of the most humorous exchanges in the film, with plenty of banter between the two characters. It is an easy scene to write in, as its only purpose is to establish Strange within the MCU. Peter’s appearance does just that, and the scene could simply be there for comic relief, and still do exactly what it is meant to.
Antman
When Antman entered the Quantum Realm, the big names at Marvel said that was just a small taste of what we should expect from Doctor Strange. But that means it is certainly possible Strange makes a trip to the Quantum Realm himself in the film. So who’s to say when Strange goes there, Antman himself couldn’t be there checking things out as well?
It would be a real surprise to many fans, as I have not seen any rumors connecting Antman to this film. A small appearance within the Quantum Realm could go down as one of the coolest cameos ever in an MCU film. He wouldn’t even have to interact with Strange. We just need to see him in passing. A quick 10 seconds shot of him working on something to see what he is up to since Cap broke him out of prison at the end of Civil War would suffice. Obviously, some interaction with Strange would be ideal, but not a must. Like I’ve mentioned, all the cameo needs to do is cement the events and characters of this film within the MCU. And a “small” appearance from Scott Lang would do just that.
Now these are the top three choices for a small, cameo type of appearance in my estimation. That does not rule out any of the other characters. Tony Stark could very well show up at the very end in an attempt to recruit Stephen Strange to his side in regards to the Sokovia Accords. The same could be said for any member of Team Cap, besides Bucky. Cap himself, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch or even Black Widow may show up at Strange’s doorstep to convince him to join them.
There is simply very little known about Doctor Strange, despite the film coming out in just over a month. The trailers have been full of Inception style effects, and it has been difficult to determine many plot points. We have a pretty good idea that we will be introduced to the second to last Infinity Stone, which as of now can be described as the green thing in Strange’s necklace.
So only time will truly tell. Any number of Marvel characters could show up in this film, and for different purposes. So if you want to know for sure, make sure to head to the movie theater on November 4th, and catch Benedict Cumberbatch in action as Doctor Stephen Strange!