Marvel Studios is known for taking risks, but its latest move has fans buzzing for all the wrong reasons. Reports reveal Disney is moving forward with another loathsome project, despite years of audiences begging the studio to leave the solo appearances in the past.
Instead of excitement, this announcement has sparked frustration and debate across the fandom.
Marvel’s Success With Sequels
It’s no secret that Marvel thrives on sequels. Some of the company’s best work comes when it builds on earlier films. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) saved a franchise many thought was running out of steam, while Avengers: Endgame (2019) capped off a decade-long saga in breathtaking fashion. Even Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) delivered a rare sequel that fans called every bit as good—if not better—than the original.
These films remind audiences why Marvel continues to dominate. Sequels can deepen characters, raise stakes, and make the universe feel bigger. But this time, Marvel isn’t hearing applause—it’s hearing groans.
From Promising Start to Polarizing Hero
Doctor Stephen Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, made a strong debut in Doctor Strange (2016). The movie’s visuals were dazzling, its humor sharp, and its lead character instantly earned a place in the MCU’s roster of heroes.
His most significant moment came later in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), where his spell cracked the Multiverse wide open and gave fans the Spider-Man reunion of their dreams.
Unfortunately, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) nearly undid all that goodwill. Instead of a mind-bending journey across alternate realities, fans got a disjointed story, mishandled characters, and what many now consider one of Marvel’s weakest entries. The disappointment was so intense that fans pleaded for Disney to entirely end Strange’s solo run.
Strange Academy Resurfaces
But Marvel has other ideas. Reports claim that Strange Academy—a project long stuck in rumor limbo—is back on the table. Based on Marvel Comics, the concept reimagines Strange as a teacher guiding young sorcerers from across dimensions. Unlike his films, the new project would likely premiere on Disney+ as a series rather than on the big screen.
In the comics, the academy serves as a magical counterpart to the X-Men’s famous school, offering a mix of mentorship, magical battles, and exploration of strange new realms. For Marvel, it’s a chance to expand its mystical corner of the universe. For many fans, though, it feels like the exact wrong move.
Fans Still Aren’t Sold
The biggest hurdle for Strange Academy isn’t the concept—it’s the timing. After Multiverse of Madness, trust in Strange’s story is low. Add to that a growing fatigue with the Multiverse itself, and it’s easy to see why many believe this project could flop before it even begins.
Fans argue that Marvel should focus on rebuilding its core heroes rather than launching spinoffs tied to a divisive character.
A Risky Bet
Disney’s commitment to this project shows it still sees Doctor Strange as essential to the MCU’s future. Strange Academy could launch new characters and reestablish Strange as a leading figure if successful.
But if it fails, it may deepen the cracks already in Marvel’s once invincible brand. For now, the sorcerer is back—and whether fans like it or not, Marvel is ready to roll the dice.
