2021 was all about the concept of the multiverse for the MCU; shows like What If…? and Loki gave us wildly different perspectives on some of our favorite characters, and Spider-Man: No Way Home brought together three beloved franchises of Spider-Man and their respective villains together in one place. 2022 will be taking the idea even further with the production of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The highly anticipated movie promises a major threat to humanity that the titular Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) must thwart with the help of returning favorites Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Wong (Benedict Wong), as well as MCU newcomer America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez).Ever since the movie was announced in July 2019, fans have had a heyday crafting wild theories as to who might make an appearance. Fuelling these theories was Disney's acquisition of Fox, which effectively introduced the possibility of Fox franchise characters like the X-Men officially joining the MCU. For Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, recent rumors have suggested cameos from legendary alums like Loki, Professor X and Deadpool, too many X-Men to count and even Tom Cruise as Iron Man. While you eagerly await the film to hit theaters in May 2022, you can check out our list of the most exciting cameo rumors circulating the web.
11 Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto
One of the most iconic heroes-turned-villain-turned-antihero of our time, Magneto has taken on a huge variety of roles alongside his fellow mutants. With rumored appearances from characters like Professor X, Wolverine and other X-Men, we'd love to see Sir Ian McKellen revive his role as the Erik Lehnsherr! Some Twitter reports have hinted that this master of metals will cameo in Multiverse of Madness, but it looks like fans will need to wait for further confirmation. With all the fan theories on potential X-Men taking the stage, we don't think it would be a stretch to see Magneto in the movie.
10 Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool
Everyone's favorite 'merc with a mouth' has seen widespread success with two of his own movies, and fans might have a chance to see Ryan Reynolds portray him yet again on the silver screen. According to MCU Source on Twitter, Deadpool's first official role in the MCU will be in Multiverse of Madness, and the logic behind this potential spoiler adds up: Disney purchased Marvel Entertainment in 2009, and the media giant added 20th Century Fox (which produced both Deadpool movies) to its lineup in 2019. Given that the parent company to the MCU now has the rights to use Deadpool, it wouldn't be a huge stretch to see him in the movie—breaking the fourth wall is already one of Wade Wilson's specialties, so there's no stopping him from breaking through the multiverse.
9 Nicolas Cage as Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider brought silver screen icon Nicholas Cage into the world of Marvel Entertainment back in 2007, and again with Spirit of Vengeance in 2011. Some theories are suggesting that this fiery antihero will blaze across the screen alongside Dr. Strange in Multiverse of Madness after being released from a spiritual prison. There aren't a lot of confirmed details on this cameo just yet, but the world is definitely ready for another appearance from Johnny Blaze. It's hard to say where he might fit in; he's worked alongside groups like S.H.I.E.L.D., New Fantastic Four and New Avengers across multiple media, but he has yet to officially debut in the MCU film world.
8 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey
Now that Disney owns Fox and has partnered up with Sony, the MCU can open up to a whole new world of characters that haven't seen much time in the spotlight recently. One Twitter source suggested that Wanda Maximoff will be facing off against a particular Fox alum (though the source claims they can't specify who), and fans everywhere are buzzing at the possibility of Scarlet Witch battling Sophie Turner's Jean Grey. Given that both women are immensely powerful and constantly struggle with the long-reaching consequences of their abilities, there are plenty of grounds for the two to connect on-screen.
7 Tom Hiddleston as Loki
This particular theory derives from an Easter egg seen in the Multiverse of Madness theatrical teaser: around 39 seconds into the trailer, we see a quick shot of someone walking away from an orange, glowing doorway. That someone is most likely Wanda Maximoff, but the orange doorway she's standing in front of bears a striking resemblance to a Time Variance Authority Timedoor, portals used by the TVA in the Loki television series. Loki's appearance hasn't been confirmed yet, but the film is said to focus on the aftermath of MCU stories like No Way Home, What If...? and, yes, Loki.
6 Sir Patrick Stewart as Professor X
As hinted in the movie's teaser trailer (which premiered to audiences after the end credits of No Way Home in theaters), Doctor Strange will likely come into contact with the MCU's Illuminati. This secretive group of heroes works in the shadows, watching out for potential cataclysms that could destroy Earth or her people; over the years, legends like Enchantress, Beast, Captain Britain and even Strange himself have been on the roster. Famously, Professor X has also been involved with the Illuminati, and one rumor suggests that the film will include a fight scene between the Professor and Wanda Maximoff.
5 Zoe Saldana as Gamora
Guardians of the Galaxy fans rejoice: the universe's beloved Gamora may grace the silver screen again! Surprisingly, there hasn't been a lot of information leaks or theories on characters from Guardians appearing alongside Doctor Strange, but Zoe Saldana's Gamora seems to be at the top of fans' wish lists. What makes this rumor so plausible is how easy it would be for her to join the cast; Gamora is already a prominent member of Disney's MCU and has appeared in several major films, including big-budget crossovers like Endgame.
4 Tom Cruise as Tony Stark (Sort Of)
Tom Cruise allegedly passed up the chance to play Tony Stark in the original Iron Man movies in the early 2000s, but we might still get to see him take on this massive role (kind of)! Some rumors — spawned by a leaked photo that supposedly came from the set of Multiverse of Madness — claim that Cruise will make his debut as a variant of Mr. Stark from another universe (à la No Way Home's different Spider-Men). The photo featured Cruise in a motion-capture suit, and sources were quick to suggest that this is for his surprise appearance as Iron Man.
3 Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Out of all the possible X-Men cameos, Hugh Jackman as the one and only Wolverine is one of the most exciting. Sources claim that the idea to involve Jackman and Sir Patrick Stewart in their respective X-Men roles came from director Sam Raimi himself, but this begs the question of how. The movie Logan saw the deaths of these beloved characters, so there's no telling how they would find themselves in Doctor Strange's mad world. Like Tom Cruise as Iron Man, there's a chance these two will be appearing as different versions of themselves instead of the originals.
2 Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie
Another Loki favorite, Sophia Di Martino may cameo with Tom Hiddleston to reprise her role as the Goddess of Mischief. There's no telling how large her role might be, but the possibility of her joining the film isn't too far-fetched. With all the fuss about characters like Loki and Owen Wilson's Mobius potentially being part of the project, we can certainly envision Sylvie working alongside Stephen Strange!
1 Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man
There's no talking about Multiverse of Madness without talking about No Way Home, and some insiders are making bold claims that Tobey Maguire will show up on the big screen again as Peter Parker in the upcoming film. The original Spider-Man has apparently spoken actively about joining the lineup for Doctor Strange's latest journey, and there are even rumors in place that we'll finally get a sequel to 2007's Spider-Man 3. Whatever the case may be, it's easy to imagine Maguire's Spider-Man alongside Stephen Strange; all the buzz from his role in No Way Home has got fans eager to see him more than ever before.