Benedict Cumberbatch recently explained the reasoning behind Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness's reshoots.

Speaking to Empire Magazine, the Doctor Strange star stated the reshoots were largely due to logistical issues and the restrictions placed on the film by the pandemic. "We're in the middle of reshoots and we're working incredibly hard to make a schedule work to realize the full potential of the film -- bits that we want to do better but also bits that were just impossible to do on the day because of logistics, COVID, etc," he explained. "We were so delayed in production because of that. Luckily, not during production too much. Although everything is just a little slower."

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It was previously reported that the sequel to Doctor Strange was undergoing significant reshoots, with some suggesting  it would involve six-day weeks for six weeks and the writing of new material. While some Marvel fans were concerned about the lengthy reshoot period, unnamed sources assured that this is a regular occurrence in filmmaking and that other projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have had longer reshoots.

Although specifics from the plot of the film are unknown, it has been revealed that it will see Doctor Strange continuing his research into the time stone. The released synopsis places the film after the events of Avengers: Endgame and describes how a friend from Strange's past puts a stop to his plans, causing him to unleash the evil of the multiverse.

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Audiences can already see the continuation of numerous multiversal stories, especially from Disney+ shows WandaVision and Loki and the upcoming film Spider-Man: No Way Home. Loki concluded with the multiverse being established, and No Way Home is set to see the effects of the multiverse through familiar villains from other Spider-Man franchises. The connection between No Way Home and Doctor Strange 2 has already been described as "mind-blowing" by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.

Alongside Cumberbatch as Strange, Elizabeth Olsen will reprise her role as Wanda Maximoff, who was last seen in WandaVision's post-credits scene reading the darkhold, a book full of powerful dark magic. This has led to speculation that Maximoff will be the film's villain, as she learns to harness her power as the Scarlet Witch. However, merchandise artwork for the Doctor Strange sequel suggests that the film will see another antagonist, one that is arguably more powerful.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness releases in theaters on May 6, 2022.

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Source: Empire Magazine, via The Direct