Doctor Strange 3 will feature this shocking Spider-Man character, reports say

The multiversal arc of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is in full swing. If Deadpool & Wolverine proves anything, is that iconic characters could show up at any given time on the big screen without previous notice and shock audiences along the way. However, things are bound to get even crazier the closer we get to the release of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Case in point; a new report suggests Doctor Strange 3 could feature an iconic Spider-Man comeback.

Tobey Maguire will reportedly appear in Doctor Strange 3

According to insider Marvel Scoops on X (formerly Twitter), Tobey Maguire will appear in the untitled Doctor Strange 3. It's worth remembering that the last time we saw Stephen Strange he was working side by side with Clea to prevent an upcoming "incursion"; an apocalyptic-level event where two universes collide, destroying one (or both) in the process. This happens when beings from one universe travel to another for a prolonged period of time, blurring the borders between realities. This concept has been explored multiple times in the MCU before, especially in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Both Tobey Maguire's and Andrew Garfield's Peter Parkers were mistakenly transported to the MCU - a world different from their own - courtesy of Doctor Strange's spell. Chances are this spell might be one of the (many) reasons an incursion is happening, so it wouldn't be too far-fetched to assume Stephen could travel to Tobey Maguire's reality in an attempt to fix his mistakes. Besides, it would be interesting to explore the idea of Sam Raimi's universe colliding with the MCU, as it would allow audiences to see the return of characters such as Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane.

Furthermore, the report also notes that Doctor Strange 3 will be released in 2026. While the movie has not been officially confirmed by Marvel, it would be shocking if it didn't see the light of day. The MCU multiversal storyline is in full swing now, and 2026 will be the year when it will finally comes together with the release of Avengers: Doomsday. So it would make sense for Stephen's next stand-alone adventure - which could see him attempt to stop an incursion - comes just before the multiverse breaks loose.

Tobey could also return for Spider-Man 4

Furthermore, the report also claims Tobey Maguire will return in Spider-Man 4. Rumors have been flying left and right about Spidey's next stand-alone movie. Some claim the movie will tell a grounded story while others say it will be a multiversal adventure for the second time in a row. However, reliable insider Daniel Richtman has stated that the movie will - indeed - feature the multiverse as it could be released between Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

Every movie released between Earth's Mightiest Heroes' two adventures will reportedly take place in Battleworld; an amalgamation of all universes ruled by Doctor Doom. So if Marvel characters from different franchises were to end up in this world, then Tom Holland's and Tobey Maguire's reunion would be more than likely. Besides, the movie could also feature the return of Andrew Garfield as the friendly neighborhood hero.

Fans seem divided on the idea of Spider-Man 4 being a multiversal movie. While it would be exciting to see Tobey and Andrew return, there's also the risk that Spider-Man stories don't feel relatable anymore. After all, Stan Lee wanted audiences to connect with the character and his day-to-day problems when he first created it.

Peter has trouble paying his rent, turning in his assignments on time, and balancing his personal and work/superhero life. Furthermore; he tends to resolve all of those problems on his own. But it's hard to adapt all those aspects in multiversal stories where many heroes appear at once and normal life issues are the least of everyone's worries. Two Spider-Man multiversal adventures back to back on the big screen could be tricky to pull off. Hopefully, Marvel and Sony manage to do so if they end up following this plan.

Are you excited about Tobey's potential return both in Doctor Strange 3 and Spider-Man 4? Let us know on our social media pages! And stick around Whatever A Spider Can for everything Spider-Man-related.