New concept art for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has revealed a battle between the Sorcerer Supreme and Marvel villain Nightmare was originally planned for the sequel.
It’s no secret that the MCU movie went through several different iterations before it was made Doctor Strange 2. The film was originally held Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson, who had announced his plans to make the film a horror film.
Writer C. Robert Cargill, then associated with Derrickson, had also expressed interest in bringing Nightmare into the sequel. But after the duo left the film, citing creative differences, and director Sam Raimi and writer Michael Waldron came on board, many of those aspects changed.
It is unclear when Nightmare was cut from the story Doctor Strange 2but newly released concept art proves that the character was an integral part of the story at some point during development.
Doctor Strange 2 Deleted Nightmare Battle Revealed
New images from storyboard artist Soren Bendt have revealed a look at a mysterious villain facing off against Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
This appears to be another depiction of the Marvel villain Nightmare. The character has appeared in previous concept art for Doctor Strange 2 wearing samurai armor.
The art shows Doctor Strange and Nightmare fighting in what appears to be an alternate dimension. This is possibly even a representation of Nightmare World.
Doctor Strange wields a sword on the storyboards while Nightmare wields her magic as a powerful weapon.
Further images appear to show Nightmare getting the better of Doctor Strange in the battle as the Sorcerer Supreme is seen in despair as he is thrown down an endless staircase.
What happened to Nightmare in the MCU?
Based on the battle shown in this concept art, it seems that Nightmare was once intended to be the main antagonist Doctor Strange 2. More outdated concept art Showing America Chavez at the hands of Nightmare-type villains further supports the idea that the character once had a major role to play.
It’s likely that this concept art was considered early in development, when Scott Derrickson was still attached to direct. When Raimi and Waldron took over the creative reins, it appears that Nightmare’s involvement was cut to allow Wanda Maximoff to become the villain instead.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that Nightmare won’t appear in the MCU at some point. Benedict Cumberbatch’s character will be on a new adventure with Clea in it Doctor Strange 3 and the duo will no doubt need another mysterious villain to contend with, which Nightmare could certainly fit the bill.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness now streaming on Disney+.
