New concept art from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness reveals Daniel Craig's scrapped cameo as Balder the Brave. Directed by Sam Raimi, the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 4 movie served as the long-awaited sequel to Benedict Cumberbatch's 2016 solo debut. Doctor Strange 2 followed the conflict between Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) that took place across the multiverse. It was through the exploration of other universes that Marvel Studios found an easy way to deliver some major cameos from familiar MCU characters, heroes from other Marvel properties, and popular fan casts.
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The majority of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' cameos came once Doctor Strange and America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) traveled to Earth-838 and met the Illuminati. This is how Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell), Maria Rambeau's Captain Marvel (Lashana Lynch), Black Bolt (Anson Mount), and Mister Fantastic (John Krasinski) appeared in the movie. However, development on the sequel and COVID-19 restrictions during production meant the plans for the Illuminati were constantly changing. It was previously reported that No Time To Die star Craig was originally in talks to be in Doctor Strange 2.
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Although the original reports about Daniel Craig's possible Doctor Strange 2 role seemed to indicate he could have played Reed Richards, it was later confirmed that Balder the Brave was his intended role. Concept artist Darrell Warner shared a new piece he did for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that shows Craig's Balder the Brave cameo. The concept art confirms just how far into the process Marvel Studios was in bringing the James Bond actor into the fold. COVID-19 restrictions reportedly got in the way of Craig's Doctor Strange 2 cameo, but now audiences can at least see what could have been.
Will Daniel Craig Play Balder The Brave In A Future MCU Movie?
With Marvel Studios going as far as to create concept art with Craig, it appears that he was indeed very close to appearing as Balder the Brave in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The Phase 4 movie missing out on the cameo does not necessarily mean that it will never happen in the future. Craig has made no comments about his scrapped Doctor Strange 2 role or his interest in playing Balder the Brave in a future MCU movie. However, Marvel Studios continues to recruit big names for upcoming projects, and Craig could join the superhero world now that his time as 007 is over.
If Craig does play Balder the Brave in a future MCU project, Thor 5 could be a strong candidate for where it could happen. There are no official plans for another movie starring Chris Hemsworth, but Thor might need to team up with his half-brother to fight back against Hercules (Brett Goldstein) and other Greek gods. Marvel could introduce Craig's Balder the Brave sooner too, as Avengers: Secret Wars can include him through the multiverse. Whether Craig joins the MCU after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is unknown, but him playing Balder the Brave would be a fun addition to the franchise.