Marvel Just Set Up the Perfect Doctor Strange Storyline for the MCU’s Midnight Sons Movie

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Introducing a powerful new antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe paves the way for an engaging narrative for Doctor Strange, who might emerge as the head of Marvel’s initial live-action Midnight Sons squad. Ever since Benedict Cumberbatch made his debut as the Master of the Mystic Arts in 2016’s Doctor Strange, he has been a significant figure in the MCU. However, there hasn’t been an official confirmation of his return following 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. With the recent launch of Marvel Television’s Ironheart, it appears that Doctor Strange will return, as the MCU has expertly established one of his most compelling Marvel Comics storylines.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I’ve witnessed Doctor Strange engage in epic battles against various adversaries. From clashing with Dormammu, the sovereign of the Dark Dimension, to facing off against Kaecilius, led by the chilling Mads Mikkelsen, and even dealing with the Scarlet Witch during her destructive rampage across the multiverse. He also stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Avengers and other MCU heroes in the fight against the Mad Titan, Thanos, portrayed by Josh Brolin.

Moreover, Doctor Strange aided Spider-Man in his own battles against multiversal villains. With Cumberbatch set to reappear in Avengers: Doomsday, there’s also the tantalizing hint of Doctor Strange 3, which could very well introduce a new and eagerly awaited superhero alliance.

Mephisto’s Debut in Ironheart Perfectly Sets Up Damnation for the MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange is not the sole practitioner of magic. The latest character to harness magical powers for their advantage, quite unexpectedly, is Riri Williams’ Ironheart (portrayed by Dominique Thorne). In the Ironheart series, Riri infused her new armor suit with magic to combat Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), who was endowed with power from a mystical Hood. This powerful artifact, drawing strength from the Dark Dimension, was bestowed upon Parker by Mephisto (Sacha Baron Cohen), marking the debut of this iconic demonic villain from Marvel Comics in the MCU.

In the upcoming Ironheart series, Mephisto’s introduction opens up several intriguing storylines for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), one of which could potentially pit Doctor Strange against this cunning antagonist. Back in 2018’s Marvel Comics event, Damnation, Doctor Strange and Mephisto clashed over control of Las Vegas, where Strange aimed to rebuild the city following a disaster, while Mephisto sought to claim Vegas and its inhabitants’ souls for himself. Given Mephisto’s entrance in the MCU and Doctor Strange’s uncertain destiny, Damnation serves as an ideal catalyst to unite these iconic adversaries.

Why Damnation is the Best Storyline for a Midnight Sons Movie Led By Doctor Strange

Following the catastrophic Secret Empire incident of 2017, where HYDRA devastated Las Vegas, Doctor Strange embarked on a mission to rebuild the city and revive its citizens. However, Mephisto had previously staked his claim over Vegas, establishing his Hotel Inferno to transform Las Vegans, along with some prominent superheroes, into beings similar to Ghost Rider. Unfortunately, Doctor Strange was also among those transformed. To counter this, Wong (portrayed by Benedict Wong in the MCU) assembled a unique version of the Midnight Sons team. Adapting this event for live-action presents an ideal chance for the Midnight Sons to finally unite and make their debut on screen.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there are several potential members of the Midnight Sons, a supernatural Avengers-like team from the Marvel Comics that first appeared in 1992 and were created by two Ghost Riders. Characters like Wong, Moon Knight, Elsa Bloodstone, Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, Jennifer Kale, Black Knight, Blade, Iron Fist, and others could join the Midnight Sons team in the MCU. Notably, Wong’s team from the Damnation storyline also includes Doctor Voodoo, Ghost Rider, and Scarlet Spider. Adapting the Damnation storyline would be a great way to introduce the Midnight Sons to the MCU, as fans have been eagerly awaiting their appearance for some time now.

Chris Evans’ Rumored Phase 6 Return Can Make Damnation a Reality in the MCU

During the Secret Empire event in 2017, HYDRA helicarriers demolished Las Vegas. This powerful villainous organization took over the entire United States during this period. The Secret Empire began when a Steve Rogers, influenced by HYDRA, arrived from another universe using the Cosmic Cube. In the main Marvel reality, this corrupted Rogers worked to revive the Red Skull’s World War II plans. Eventually, he ordered Las Vegas to be destroyed as it was a center of rebellious activity.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), only Iron Man from 2008 and the What If…? animated series have visited Las Vegas. However, there’s a possibility we might return to this iconic city in Nevada, given that an antagonistic Steve Rogers may cause its destruction, paving the way for the Damnation event. There have been persistent rumors about Chris Evans reprising his role as Steve Rogers/Captain America following his departure in Avengers: Endgame. Yet, recent whispers suggest he might debut as HYDRA’s Captain America instead. This could lead to a Damnation adaptation in the MCU’s Phase 7, potentially bringing Doctor Strange back into the fold among the Midnight Sons.

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2025-07-27 17:21