Scott Derrickson Expected To Return For Doctor Strange 2

04/20/2017 05:50 pm EDT

Last year, the Marvel Cinematic Universe flung itself deep into a new world of magic thanks to Doctor Strange. The feature film introduced moviegoers to the franchise's mystical side as Benedict Cumberbatch brought Dr. Stephen Strange to life. The eventual Sorcerer Supreme conjured up big box-office bucks, and fans were quick to send praise towards the film. For some fans, Doctor Strange recaptured the combative fun which made an origin film like Iron Man so endearing to fans. So, really, it was a no-brainer for Marvel Studios to give Doctor Strange a sequel.

And, if recent reports have anything to say about the film, then it looks like director Scott Derrickson is expected to helm Doctor Strange 2.

In an article posted by Deadline, the site just confirmed that Derrickson is slated to oversee a pilot for Hulu called Locke & Key. The IDW-inspired project will see the direct the film adaptation from Joe Hill and Carlton Cuse's script. The site said the director is expected to stay on the series if it is picked up for a full season, but he will then segue out for Doctor Strange 2.

So far, there has been no official word from either Marvel Studios or Derrickson's camp regarding the sequel. In the past, the latter has said he would be more than happy to return to the franchise.

"Yes, absolutely," Derrickson told ComicBook when we asked if he'd come back to Doctor Strange. "I would love to do Doctor Strange 2. We'll see. We'll see what happens."

Derrickson is not the only one involved with Doctor Strange who'd like to see his return. In an interview with CinemaBlend, Benedict Cumberbatch said Derrickson was the best man for the sequel.

"...I think also Scott's got, he's very good on process, and he's very good on visuals and he had to cram a lot in. I mean this was a much harder shoot in many ways than I imagine some of the other origin stories had been. They're all hard, not to detract from the hard work that they put in, but my point is that there was a massively fast turn around. So he was having to edit and approve special effects shots at the same time as setting up these huge sequences live and getting the camera and angles and performances and visuals right on the day."

Continuing, Cumberbatch said, "He was double tasking in a pretty full on way and then he was, for someone who's done stuff to do stuff with the supernatural before but never, as he'd be the first to admit I'm sure, never quite on this scale. He had to do it all with great skill and the results are on the screen. So yeah I think this film speaks to why Scott would be a great choice to direct it again."

From Marvel comes DOCTOR STRANGE, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place – a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange – armed with newly acquired magical powers – is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence. Join Strange on his dangerous, mystifying, and totally mind-bending journey.

The cast features Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Into Darkness, The Imitation Game), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes), Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man), Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale), and Tilda Swinton (The Grand Budapest Hotel).

Doctor Strange is now available on Digital HD, DVD, and blu-ray. The character will next appear in Thor: Ragnarok this November, then in Avengers: Infinity War, filming now for a May 2018 release.

More Doctor Strange News:

Doctor Strange Blu-ray Review: A Still-Magical Experience Now for the Small Screen

Benedict Cumberbatch Talks Doctor Strange's Future In Avengers: Infinity Wars

Benedict Wong Fanboys Out About Delivering Infinity Stone Line & Joining Avengers: Infinity War

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.