With the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness boasting a multiverse of possibilities, Disney CEO Bob Chapek teased just how big of an impact fans can expect the film to have on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While speaking during Disney's annual shareholders meeting, Chapek hinted at the surprising and unifying effect the film will have on the MCU when it hits theaters in May. "With an extraordinary cast led by Benedict Cumberbatch, [Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness] really pushes the boundaries of storytelling and connects pieces of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in unexpected ways," Chapek said. "I can't wait for you all to see it."
One connection the film appears set to make is bringing 20th Century Fox's X-Men films into the MCU. Professor Xavier actor Sir Patrick Stewart confirmed his involvement in Multiverse of Madness last month while discussing his apparent presence in the film's trailer. "I actually didn't recognize my own voice, it sounded different," he said. "I don't know. But I was astonished, and all they saw was the back of my shoulder, and I think my earlobe, nothing else. There would have been so many connections made. But, uh, it pleased me."
Although Stewart has not officially been confirmed to be reprising his role as the X-Men's telepathic leader, the actor further fueled rumors when he provided a carefully worded answer when asked about his role. "This is a very delicate area," Stewart said during an interview earlier this month. "All I can say to you is we'll have to see. But bear in mind that Professor Xavier has already died twice. I think he must have some sort of Superman quality."
Multiverse of Madness will be introducing new characters to the MCU as well, with actor Xochitl Gomez set to play the multitalented America Chavez in her MCU debut. Joe Casey, America Chavez' co-creator, spoke on the importance of the character and the diversity she reflects alongside other modern Marvel characters like Miles Morales and Kamala Khan. "Unlike the Marvel Universe that was originally seen in the early 1960s comics, our current reality is multicultural," Casey said. "So more recently-created Marvel characters like America Chavez and Miles Morales and Kamala Khan not only reflect the world of 2022, they seem to have connected to a section of fandom that, in one way or another, strongly identify with them."
Even more unexpected arrivals could pop up in Multiverse of Madness after actor Bruce Campbell commented on the film's extensive reshoots, saying, "A majority of the film was reshot extensively, so I have no idea what's in there and what isn't. I did a cool scene with a character that's been beloved for years, and… we'll have to see what ends up in the movie. I don't know if it's still in there. It's a pretty cool part."
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in theaters May 6.
Source: Disney