Marvel Studios boss and keeper of the MCU secrets, Mr. Kevin Feige, has described Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange as the “anchor” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it delves ever deeper into the madness of the multiverse. The upcoming sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, will put The Master of the Mystic Arts through his paces as the consequences of unleashing the multiverse become clear.

"Benedict has turned this character into an icon, appearing in a historic three of the top six films of all time. It's been quite a journey. I remember our very first meeting was set up as a general, and we wanted to pitch him this great character, and before we could, he said 'So tell me about Doctor Strange,' because you knew. Because somewhere you knew what this could be and you've always seen the tremendous potential in this character. Because of that, you've become the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the only actor capable of guiding us through the madness of the Multiverse."

Coming courtesy of Variety, Kevin Feige explained why Doctor Strange is the only one capable of guiding the Marvel characters, the audience, and the franchise through the multiverse. With previous MCU anchors Tony Stark AKA Iron Man and Steve Rogers AKA Captain America now either deceased or absent, it sounds like Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange will step forward to lead the MCU as it takes the universe to vastly more bizarre places.

No doubt Doctor Strange will struggle to anchor anything as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes us into a variety of alternate realities, including zombie and animated worlds, as well as introducing multiple variants of familiar characters and resurrecting characters from separate Marvel franchises.

Related: Elizabeth Olsen Rumored to Extend Marvel Contract, Is a Scarlet Witch Movie Coming?

Patrick Stewart Has Now Confirmed His Return as Professor X in Doctor Strange 2

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Marvel Studios

After playing it coy, X-Men star Patrick Stewart has, at last, confirmed that it is his voice we can hear during the recent trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. "I had my phone turned off as it happened and so I didn't hear anything. It wasn't until the next morning when I woke up and looked at my phone and found that I had been bombarded with responses,” the actor said. “My PR people had sent me reactions that they had details and passed on to me. I actually didn't recognize my own voice. It sounded different. Whether I had a cold or something at the time, I don't know. But, I was astonished. All they saw was the back of my shoulder, and I think my earlobe, nothing else that there would have been so many connections made. It pleased me."

Directed by Sam Raimi and written by Michael Waldron, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, alongside Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will further unlock the multiverse and push its boundaries further than ever before as Doctor Strange journeys into the unknown to confront a mysterious new adversary. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 6, 2022, as part of Phase Four of the MCU.