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Credit: Marvel StudiosMarvel has never been afraid of making bold choices, but this time, the studio’s latest move has fans more nervous than excited. Reports claim that Disney is pressing forward with another sequel inside the MCU, even though audiences have spent years pleading for the opposite. The news is already stirring debate, with many wondering if the company is ignoring its fanbase.
The question on everyone’s mind is simple: why push ahead with a story so many people didn’t want in the first place?
Marvel’s Strong Track Record With Sequels
When it comes to sequels, Marvel usually knows what it’s doing. Some of the franchise’s biggest triumphs have been follow-ups that raised the stakes and delivered unforgettable moments.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) turned a fading solo series into one of the MCU’s funniest and most refreshing installments. Avengers: Endgame (2019) closed out a decade of storytelling in spectacular fashion. Even Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) recently proved that sometimes a second or third round can hit harder than the first.
Marvel thrives when it gives its heroes multiple chances to shine, and fans usually cheer at the idea of another chapter. But this time, instead of excitement, the announcement has triggered a wave of frustration. And it all centers on one hero in particular.
The Rise—and Fall—of Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange, brought to life by Benedict Cumberbatch, had a promising start. His debut film, Doctor Strange (2016), impressed audiences with dazzling visuals, clever humor, and a character who instantly felt important to the larger MCU.
He became even more essential in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), where his magic opened the door to the Multiverse and delivered one of Marvel’s most crowd-pleasing spectacles.
But the goodwill didn’t last. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) was supposed to expand the Multiverse in a groundbreaking way, yet many fans left disappointed. The story felt messy, character arcs were mishandled, and the promised exploration of alternate realities was shallow. While some praised its horror-inspired tone, most of Marvel’s audience called it one of the weakest entries in recent years.
That flop left fans begging Disney to leave Doctor Strange alone. The message was clear for many: no more sequels for this sorcerer.
Disney’s Surprise Decision
And yet, here we are. Disney has decided that Doctor Strange isn’t going anywhere. In fact, he’s rumored to be heading a new project that shifts his story in a very different direction. Enter Strange Academy.
This project has floated around the MCU rumor mill for years, often mentioned and seemingly shelved as Marvel reshuffled its plans. At one point, it was believed to be canceled altogether. Now, insiders confirm that it’s back on the table, with Doctor Strange retaking the lead.
What Is Strange Academy?
Inspired by the comic series of the same name, Strange Academy would serve as either a direct sequel or spinoff of the Doctor Strange franchise. Unlike his previous films, this project would reportedly be developed as a Disney+ series rather than a theatrical release, signaling Marvel’s continued push into streaming territory.
The premise? Doctor Strange takes on the role of mentor, training a group of young sorcerers from across the Multiverse, guiding them in mastering their magical abilities while protecting reality from ever-growing threats. In the comics, the academy is Marvel’s mystical answer to schools like Xavier’s Institute in X-Men.
In this place, gifted students learn to harness their powers under the watchful eye of one of the MCU’s most skilled sorcerers. The setting allows for a blend of coming-of-age drama, magical battles, and exploration of entirely new realms within the Marvel universe.
On paper, it’s an intriguing way to expand the mystical side of Marvel, potentially giving Strange a fresh purpose and introducing younger characters who could carry the franchise into future phases. But for many fans, it’s precisely the kind of project they didn’t want—another gamble when the MCU is already struggling to win back its audience.
What This Means for the MCU
Disney’s commitment to Strange Academy suggests the company doubles down on Doctor Strange as a cornerstone of the MCU’s future. Whether that confidence is earned or misplaced will depend entirely on execution. If handled well, the project could introduce a new generation of magical heroes, create fresh storytelling opportunities, and breathe new life into a franchise that many argue has lost some of its momentum.
However, if the series stumbles—whether through poor writing, lackluster character development, or an overreliance on the Multiverse—it could deepen the cracks that many already see forming in Marvel’s once unstoppable empire, adding fuel to concerns that the MCU’s golden era is fading.
The Gamble Marvel Can’t Afford to Lose
Fans begged Marvel not to go this route, yet Disney has confirmed the controversial sequel. Doctor Strange is stepping back into the spotlight through Strange Academy, a project designed to expand the mystical side of the MCU, but one that’s already facing strong pushback.
Marvel has delivered incredible sequels, but it feels like the studio is rolling the dice this time. The fandom is divided, the stakes are high, and all eyes are on whether Strange Academy can turn backlash into belief—or whether it will become another chapter fans wish had been left alone.