According to Film Ratings, Marvel Studios’ highly-anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has official been given a PG-13 rating from the MPAA for “intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images and some language.” This only continues to hype up the Sam Raimi-directed superhero film’s dark tone and horror aspect, which the studio promised when it was first announced during its last Comic Con panel in 2019.
The film is slated to premiere on May 6, 2022. Its current theatrical release will pit the superhero film against no direct competition, but it will still debut in the same month as three other high-profile films such as Blumhouse’s Firestarter remake, Disney’s Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Paramount’s Top Gun: Maverick.
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Described as the first Marvel Cinematic Universe horror film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness sees the return of Cumberbatch as he reprises his role as Dr. Stephen Strange. This time the Sorcerer Supreme will be joined by Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff, who has finally transformed into the Scarlet Witch during the WandaVision finale.
“In the film, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before,” reads the synopsis. “Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.”
Joining Cumberbatch are returning MCU alums Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, and Rachel McAdams, who are reprising their roles as Karl Mordo, Wong, and Dr. Christine Palmer, respectively. It will also feature the introduction of the live-action debut of Marvel hero America Chavez, who will be portrayed by newcomer Xochitl Gomez (The Baby-Sitters Club).
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The film is directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy) from a script written by Emmy-winning scribe Michael Waldron (Loki). The sequel is expected to tie into the events from WandaVision, Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home. It is executive produced by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
