Mordo will reportedly return for Doctor Strange sequel

Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Karl Mordo appears to be returning for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Fans haven’t seen the last of Mordo, as The Illuminerdi reports that Chiwetel Ejiofor’s hero-turned-villain will return for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The trade acquired a character breakdown for the film that lists Mordo as returning.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s iteration of Mordo differs from the version seen in the comics. Created in 1963, Mordo was established as a rival of Stephen Strange when the former surgeon arrived in Tibet to study mysticism under the Ancient One. And after Strange stopped his plan to murder their master, the two became fierce adversaries, engaging in numerous battles over the years.

In the MCU, Karl Mordo is introduced as a Master of the Mystic Arts at Kamar-Taj who convinces the Ancient One to take on Strange as a student. He eventually becomes an ally and mentor to Strange and ultimately aids him in defeating Kamar-Taj exile Kaecilius.

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However, their relationship breaks down when Mordo, disillusioned by Strange and the Ancient One breaking the laws of nature, heads off on his own. He later descends into his villainous roots after coming to the conclusion that the world has “too many sorcerers,” which leads him on a journey to hunt them down and steal their energy.

The sequel will see Benedict Cumberbatch reprise his role as the titular hero, and he’ll be joined by the returning Benedict Wong as Wong and Elizabeth Olsen, who will appear as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. Jade Bartlett has been tapped to write the script. Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson was set to return before he left the project over “creative differences.”

Following Derrickson’s departure, Marvel Studios has not announced any changes to the film’s production schedule or release date. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is slated to open in theaters on May 7, 2021.