One Doctor Strange Actor Is Ready To Return To The MCU

Benjamin Bratt

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is inching toward a major precipice. While Marvel Studios generally releases a full schedule of its phases of films, the future of the MCU following the fourth Avengers film is a giant mystery. All we know about Phase Four is that the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming will be set after the events of The Avengers. One Marvel franchise that is a big mystery is Doctor Strange, as no details about a second film have been confirmed. But a supporting actor not only thinks Doctor Strange 2 is coming, but that he might show up again in the MCU. That actor is Benjamin Bratt, who played tertiary character Jonathan Pangborn in the first film.

Benjamin Bratt recently spoke to IGN about his role in the FOX series Star. But his role in the MCU was eventually brought up, and he teased that he might be back for another appearance, saying:

Let's just say I'm optimistic that it will turn into something. There's been no promise. There's been no real conversation.

While Benjamin Bratt certainly covered his bases and made it clear that there are no current plans, he certainly seems convinced that it might happen in the future. And considering that he wasn't one of the main characters of Doctor Strange, this may surprise those who didn't sit through the credits scenes.

For those of you who don't remember, Bejamin Bratt originally showed up fairly early in Doctor Strange's first act. After going through innumerable surgeries in an attempt to repair his hands, Stephen Strange eventually learns of Jonathan Pangborn, who had somehow recovered from being a paraplegic. When Stephen asked him what surgery accomplished this, Pangborn points him toward Kamar-Taj, where he would eventually meet the likes of Mordo and The Ancient One. It turned out that Pangborn was a sorcerer's apprentice, although he only used his powers to repair his legs.

Things didn't end well for Benjamin Bratt's character, as a post-credits scene found Mordo confronting Jonathan Pangborn and stripping him of his magical energy. This resulted in him once again losing the ability to walk. That ending certainly implied we'd be seeing the character again, although it's unclear if he'll become a more major character in the franchise. If Pangborn once again begins training in magic, he could very well become a major ally for Doctor Strange in his future adventures. But we'll likely have to wait another few years for any details about Doctor Strange's sequel.

While we don't have any news about Doctor Strange 2's release date, you will be able to catch the titular hero in the next two Avengers films. Avengers: Infinity War will arrive in theaters on May 4, 2018. In the meantime, be sure to check out our 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.