McAdams Returns To The MCU For “Doctor Strange” Sequel

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one of the most nebulous projects on Marvel’s slate. Many are expecting the film to true launching point for the next phase of MCU films, but there has been very little information provided about the story.

And while Kevin Feige might be keeping a tight lid the plot details of the sequel, that hasn’t stopped the studio from dropping casting announcements. According to sources at Deadline, Rachel McAdams has closed a deal to reprise her role as Dr. Christine Palmer, the erstwhile Sorcerer Supreme’s love interest from the first movie.

Marvel has made no official comment on McAdams coming back to the MCU fold, but it has long been rumored. It’s speculated that she will take up her comic book alter ego, Night Nurse, at some point during the proceedings. McAdams joins Benedict Wong and Chiwitel Ejiofor, who return as Wong, Doctor Strange’s mystical partner, and the villainous Karl Mordo, respectively.

Excitement has been building for the film since the initial announcement, where it was stated that Elizabeth Olsen would join the production, reprising her Avengers role as The Scarlet Witch. The film lost original director, Scott Derrickson, who’s still on board as a producer, though, and had its release date shuffled around multiple times as a result of the pandemic shortly after.

Since then, Sam Raimi was announced as the replacement director and the titular sorcerer himself, Benedict Cumberbatch was cast in Spider-Man 3, taking over the mentorship role for Peter Parker.

The MCU has had no shortage of good news lately, such as Charlie Cox possibly returning as Daredevil. However, amidst all the universe-altering news, it’s good to hear that Marvel is interested in maintaining the continuity of the Doctor Strange films by returning much of the principal cast from the first film. McAdams casting, while expected, is another step in the right direction for the project. While worldbuilding is certainly important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the individual films.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is still in pre-production and is on tap to hit theaters on March 25th, 2022.