This week, England was plunged back into national lockdown due to the rapid spread of coronavirus. As a result, various film and television sets have shut down. There are a few exceptions who have continued filming, including the DCEU’s The Batman. But Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange 2 is among the many sets that will not continue production.
The Sam Raimi helmed movie promises to be a mind-bending adventure. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Benedict Wong (Wong), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), and Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff). The movie will also debut Xochitl Gomez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as America Chavez, aka Miss America! It’s expected that we’ll see Doctor Strange either team-up with or battle Wanda, although the plot is still very much under wraps. Furthermore, it will also connect to both the upcoming Disney Plus series WandaVision and Spider-Man 3.
Recently appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Elizabeth Olsen confirmed the pause in production. “Since the hospitals are overwhelmed here, we can’t go back to work until that calms down,” she said. “[I’m] just safely hanging out here, and just really grateful I get to be working. Disney has kept me busy during quarantine!”
It is currently unknown when production will begin again. The lockdown measures actually allow for film and TV sets to continue, but Marvel Studios are not willing to take the risk. Measures will be in place until at least mid-February, which gives us an indication as to when Doctor Strange 2 set might start up again. Nevertheless, it remains unlikely to see the release date shift from March 25, 2022. Production of the movie went underway ahead of schedule, therefore it should balance out overall.
