Benedict Cumberbatch put his stamp on the Marvel cinematic universe as Doctor Strange.
Strange is a former arrogant neurosurgeon turned arrogant sorcerer in the eponymous Marvel movie.
Even though he was turned to dust at the end of Avengers Infinity War, Doctor Strange 2 has been confirmed by the studio.
As Phase III finds its final chapter with Avengers 4, Doctor Strange 2 is a hotly anticipated film in Phase IV.
Who could Doctor Strange battle in the sequel?
There are plenty of comic-book villains to choose from, so here are nine candidates for Doctor Strange 2 antagonist:
Mordo
Karl Mordo, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor in the first movie became disillusioned by the end and in a mid-credit scene espoused his belief there were too many sorcerers in the world.
With a motivation similar, perhaps, to Thanos’, Mordo, once a friend and ally of Strange, may become his enemy.
Doctor Strange: Mordo was a friend turned foe at the end of the first film
Shuma-Gorath
Following in the interdimensional footsteps of Doctor Strange’s first villain Dormammu is Shuma-Gorath.
In the comics, Shuma-Gorath is a giant eye surrounded by tentacles and is an interdimensional being of endless power.
Shuma-Gorath’s whole motivation is simply to bring chaos, death, and destruction.
Some of Shuma Gorath’s powers are energy projection, shapeshifting, teleportation, levitation, altering reality, and sympathetic magic among others, making it a truly high stakes villain.
Doctor Strange: Shuma-Gorath is an interdimensional being who could put up a fight against Strange
Doctor Strange: Nightmare or the Empirikul could be good villains for Strange
Nightmare
The chances of Nightmare featuring in the sequel are high, given Doctor Strange’s director Scott Derickson’s proclivity towards the villain.
Nightmare is essentially the Freddy Krueger of the Marvel universe, he traps people once they’re asleep in nightmares of their darkest fears.
The Empirikul
The Empirikul could appear alongside Mordo as the main antagonist force in Doctor Strange 2.
The Empirikul are an interdimensional army with advanced technology able to almost exterminate magic wholly, making them ideal for Mordo, who seemingly wants to wipe out the sorcerers.
Doctor Strange: Strange could fight Blackheart or The Hood
Blackheart
Blackheart is the son of Marvel’s version of the devil, Mephisto, and could make a high-threat villain for Doctor Strange.
Blackheart is the embodiment of evil, and though Strange isn’t exactly the embodiment of good, it would be a classic Marvel good versus bad situation.
The Hood
Instead of opting for an interdimensional or extraterrestrial villain, The Hood would bring Doctor Strange back to Earth.
The Hood is a career criminal who, armed with a magic cloak, turns into a real competitor for the title of Sorcerer Supreme.
Doctor Strange: The only two female villains Strange could go up against are Umar and Morgan Le Fey
Morgan Le Fey
One of only two female villains on the list, Morgan Le Fey is King Arthur’s half-sister in the Marvel comics.
She is one of the most powerful users of magic, is immortal, and able to alter reality.
Umar
The second female villain on the list is Umar, Dormammu’s sister.
Though her inclusion may be unlikely, Umar would be a more nuanced villain for Strange to battle instead of the out-and-out baddies of late.
Doctor Strange: Dracula went up against Strange in the Marvel comic
Dracula
Yes, you read that right.
Bram Stoker’s vampire is one of the many forces of darkness Doctor Strange goes up against.
Though seeing Dracula go up against Strange may be even more unlikely than Umar, Marvel fans can certainly dream.
Doctor Strange 2 will likely be set for a 2020 release date.