UPDATE: Rachel McAdams is returning for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as Christine Palmer.

Doctor Strange will be down a friend when we see him next: Rachel McAdams won’t return as Christine Palmer/Night Nurse in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange, the upcoming movie still has some mystery about it, with a few characters confirmed and several others rumored. As of now, Benedict Cumberbatch is reprising his role as Doctor Strange, while Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor will be back as well. Up until recently, Ejiofor’s return as Mordo was unconfirmed. Other characters rumored to appear in the sequel include Brother Voodoo, America Chavez, and the sorceress Clea.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will also directly tie in to upcoming Disney+ series WandaVision, in a first for the MCU. Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Scarlet Witch, will appear in both. The storylines in the movie and show will also be related, with WandaVision originally premiering around the same time as Doctor Strange 2. However, Disney recently moved WandaVision’s release date up to December, though that likely hasn’t changed Olsen’s story in the film.

Alongside Variety’s reveal today that Sam Raimi is in talks to direct Doctor Strange 2 came the news that McAdams won’t return for the sequel. In the first film, McAdam’s Christine Palmer is a fellow surgeon and confidant of Doctor Strange. She keeps him connected to his old life in New York after he becomes a sorcerer. In the comics, Christine is also the hero Night Nurse, though she doesn’t take up that mantle in the Doctor Strange movie.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is just one film in the MCU’s exciting Phase 4 lineup, which kicks off with Black Widow this spring. This year, audiences will also see The Eternals, an impressive venture for Marvel whose story will span 7,000 years. In addition to WandaVision, Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Solider will also debut later this year. There’s a lot of pressure on the Phase 4 movies and TV shows considering the popularity of the Infinity Saga, which concluded with last year’s Avengers: Endgame.

While it’s disappointing to hear that McAdams won’t be back for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it isn’t surprising. In subsequent MCU appearances, Doctor Strange has leaned even harder into his magical abilities than he did in his first film. This points to him leaving his regular life in New York behind. This also makes sense with the number of magical characters either confirmed or rumored to be in the sequel. There likely won’t be enough time in the film to justify another Christine Palmer appearance or make it worth McAdam’s while. However, despite this news, there’s still plenty to be excited about in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. 

More: Doctor Strange 2 Theory: Loki Is The Key To Multiverse Of Madness

Source: Variety

  • Black Widow Release Date: 2021-07-09 The Eternals Release Date: 2021-11-05 Shang Chi Release Date: 2021-09-03 Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness Release Date: 2022-05-06 Thor: Love and Thunder Release Date: 2022-07-08 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Release Date: 2022-11-11