Insider Clarifies Doctor Strange 3 Director and Casting Speculations

Essential Highlights

Speculations are circulating about the development of Doctor Strange 3, including possible directors and cast members.
While there are rumors of Denzel Washington being cast as Dormammu, sources within the industry have refuted this.
If true, Washington’s involvement is exciting, but fans are eager for his talents to be fully utilized in the role.

Rumors suggest that Doctor Strange 3 is currently in the works, with various reports emerging regarding the film’s director and cast. However, fans are advised to approach these claims with skepticism.

The previous installment, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), directed by Sam Raimi, received a mixed bag of reactions from viewers and critics alike. Yet, a significant portion of the audience enjoyed the film, expressing a desire to see Raimi direct another Doctor Strange feature. Recently, there have been whispers about a notable actor, known for his considerable contributions to film, joining Doctor Strange 3. However, an insider has since dismissed these assertions.

An insider from MyTimeToShineHello posted on X (formerly Twitter), citing Marvel Updates, claiming that Raimi was set to direct the third installment and that Denzel Washington was pegged for the role of Dormammu, the main antagonist who first appeared in the franchise. In the initial film, Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed Dormammu through a combination of motion capture and voice work, alongside another uncredited British actor. Nevertheless, the insider was quick to clarify, stating, “This isn’t true because it’s too early for any casting,”putting the rumors to rest.

The speculation around Washington’s potential casting originated from a mention in Production Weekly. That said, the authenticity of this report remains uncertain, as it mainly stems from online chatter and fan theories. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the report merely indicated Washington’s name in connection with Dormammu, lacking any formal confirmation of casting. Reactions to the rumor on social media have been varied—while some fans expressed excitement as if the news were confirmed, like one user who stated, “Glad you confirmed it. Been hearing about this rumor a lot,”others were skeptical, remarking that they had encountered the same rumor over a year ago, even prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Disappointment was also palpable among fans wishing for Washington’s inclusion, with one questioning, “So no Denzel?”accompanied by a crying emoji.

This isn’t true because it’s way too early for any casting pic.twitter.com/f266ZeXAPD — MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) October 12, 2024

Dormammu is depicted as an immensely powerful entity hailing from the Dark Dimension—an ambitious sorcerer with designs on conquering multiple realms, including Earth. Washington, renowned for his performances in films like Training Day and The Equalizer, certainly possesses the gravitas required for such a formidable character. The prospect of him embodying this larger-than-life villain adds a thrilling dimension to the casting discussions. Washington’s commanding presence and acting prowess make him an ideal candidate to portray this formidable and intricate character.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has recently attracted a host of diverse and acclaimed actors, such as Harrison Ford, who portrayed Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross (the Red Hulk) in Captain America: Brave New World. If Washington indeed joins the MCU family, fans hope that his talent won’t be squandered, as that could lead to a significant oversight. This sentiment echoes previous disappointment with Christian Bale’s portrayal of Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder, where many felt his talent was underutilized due to a lack of character depth, insufficient screentime, and an inconsistent tone throughout. While Bale’s efforts were commendable, audiences believed he deserved a richer opportunity to explore the villain’s complexities. Fans of Washington are hopeful that Marvel will learn from past oversights should he officially come on board.

Source: MyTimeToShineHello/X

Source