Daniel Craig Rumored to Have Turned Down Major Cameo in Doctor Strange 2



WARNING: This story contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The new Marvel sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness brought some pretty big surprises when it was released in theaters this month, and Daniel Craig was reportedly almost among them. As expected, many major characters were introduced, and that notably includes a special appearance from the Illuminati. Fans knew about Patrick Stewart’s return as Professor X going into the movie, as this was revealed in the trailers released beforehand, but there were other surprises that were saved for the big screen.

One of the biggest reveals was John Krasinski as Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four. This was an amazing moment for so many fans, as Krasinski has long been a fan favorite actor people have been hoping to see get the part in the Fantastic Four reboot for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There are rumors that Krasinski was not the only actor that was up for this special cameo, however.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

According to Deadline’s Justin Kroll, Krasinski’s Mister Fantastic “wasn’t the first choice” for the special Illuminati cameo. Kroll also claims that James Bond actor Daniel Craig was originally slated to appear in that spot. Kroll states that Craig was set to shoot until a rise in COVID cases had gotten him to reconsider, so he backed out to avoid the risk of spreading the disease to his family.

An additional rumor published by The Direct claims that Craig wouldn’t have played Mister Fantastic, but rather another member of the Illuminati in those scenes. Reportedly, this would have been as Balder the Brave, brother of Thor (Chris Hemsworth). According to the rumor, Craig backing out had creatives removing Balder from the story altogether and replacing him with Krasinksi’s Reed Richards. As of now, none of this has been officially confirmed by anyone involved.

Related: Every Daniel Craig James Bond Movie, Ranked

Will Daniel Craig Join the MCU?

Sony

If the rumors are true, then it would suggest that Daniel Craig is interested in joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even if the Balder cameo didn’t work out for Doctor Strange 2. He will have the time to join the franchise after his exit from the James Bond series. One popular character that has been suggested a lot for Craig is the supervillain Magneto, and with the X-Men’s arrival in the MCU on the horizon, that character will need a good actor to soon bring him to life. Fan art has even been made imagining him in the role.

Maybe it’s a matter of time before Craig makes his way into the MCU. For now, fans can look forward to seeing him return to his popular role as Benoit Blanc in Knives Out 2, one of two sequels to Knives Out that is currently in the works at Netflix. Knives Out 2 is expected to premiere on the streamer later this year.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now playing in theaters.

What the Avatar: The Way of Water Trailer Has Fans Saying

Read Next

About The Author

Jeremy Dick
(5720 Articles Published)

Jeremy Dick has been a writer and editor since 2014. He is a self-professed horror expert, pop culture enthusiast, and Bob Saget fanatic.

More
From Jeremy Dick

You can view the original article HERE.

Sundance 2026: The Shitheads, The History of Concrete, The Invite | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: The Shitheads, The History of Concrete, The Invite | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: Birds of War, One in a Million, Silenced | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: Birds of War, One in a Million, Silenced | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: I Want Your Sex, The Incomer, Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: I Want Your Sex, The Incomer, Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: Carousel, Hot Water | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: Carousel, Hot Water | Festivals & Awards
‘Wednesday’ season two beats ‘Stranger Things’ in Netflix viewing numbers
‘Wednesday’ season two beats ‘Stranger Things’ in Netflix viewing numbers
Watch Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong deliver joke countdown on return to iHeartRadio Festival after infamous 2012 meltdown
Watch Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong deliver joke countdown on return to iHeartRadio Festival after infamous 2012 meltdown
The Cardigans announce first UK show since 2018 with exclusive summer 2026 London gig
The Cardigans announce first UK show since 2018 with exclusive summer 2026 London gig
Robbie Williams tops The Beatles’ record for UK Number One albums with ‘BRITPOP’
Robbie Williams tops The Beatles’ record for UK Number One albums with ‘BRITPOP’
The Night Manager Season 2 Episode 5 Review: It’s a Dog’s Life
The Night Manager Season 2 Episode 5 Review: It’s a Dog’s Life
Days of Our Lives Spoilers For The Week of 1-26-26 Promise a Disturbing Reveal That Closes The Door On A Popular Rumor
Days of Our Lives Spoilers For The Week of 1-26-26 Promise a Disturbing Reveal That Closes The Door On A Popular Rumor
Characters of the Week: Industry, Landman, Will Trent & More Produce Scintillating, Fierce, and Endearing Standouts
Characters of the Week: Industry, Landman, Will Trent & More Produce Scintillating, Fierce, and Endearing Standouts
Doc’s Most Polarizing Character Is Westside’s Last Line of Defense
Doc’s Most Polarizing Character Is Westside’s Last Line of Defense
Giannis expects to miss 4-6 weeks with right calf strain
Giannis expects to miss 4-6 weeks with right calf strain
Osaka withdraws from Australian Open due to abdominal injury
Osaka withdraws from Australian Open due to abdominal injury
Lighting the Game: How LED Strip Technology Is Reshaping Modern Sports
Lighting the Game: How LED Strip Technology Is Reshaping Modern Sports
Netflix Delays ‘Skyscraper Live’ By 24 Hours Due to Safety Concerns
Netflix Delays ‘Skyscraper Live’ By 24 Hours Due to Safety Concerns
Man Arrested at Sundance Party After Racist Assault of Congressman Maxwell Frost
Man Arrested at Sundance Party After Racist Assault of Congressman Maxwell Frost
Lea Michele Declares November ‘Hard To Beat’ With Broadway Triumph And Family Moments
Lea Michele Declares November ‘Hard To Beat’ With Broadway Triumph And Family Moments
Bad Bunny Will Not Wear Dress During Super Bowl Halftime Show
Bad Bunny Will Not Wear Dress During Super Bowl Halftime Show
Josh Hutcherson Credits New Show And Bromance For Reigniting His Life And Relationship
Josh Hutcherson Credits New Show And Bromance For Reigniting His Life And Relationship
Designer Kibonen Launches the Mafo Dress Tour, Bringing Fashion, Community, and Connection Together Beyond the Runway
Designer Kibonen Launches the Mafo Dress Tour, Bringing Fashion, Community, and Connection Together Beyond the Runway
Kaia Gerber Invests in RE/DONE and Becomes Creative Partner
Kaia Gerber Invests in RE/DONE and Becomes Creative Partner
Hot Take: Julian Klausner’s Dries Van Noten Is Even Better Than Dries’s Dries Van Noten
Hot Take: Julian Klausner’s Dries Van Noten Is Even Better Than Dries’s Dries Van Noten
The Daily Darren: Haider Ackermann’s Latest Snow Goose Drop, CDLP & Palm Springs Modernism Week
The Daily Darren: Haider Ackermann’s Latest Snow Goose Drop, CDLP & Palm Springs Modernism Week
Gina Zollman Scores Three Major Nominations at the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards
Gina Zollman Scores Three Major Nominations at the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards
A Red Wine Haze Washing Over You
A Red Wine Haze Washing Over You
Howard Bloom Guests On Movie Reviews and More With Host Brian Sebastian on K4HD Radio
Howard Bloom Guests On Movie Reviews and More With Host Brian Sebastian on K4HD Radio
Rocky Kramer: The Norwegian Virtuoso Who Turns Tuesdays Into Rock ‘n’ Roll Legends
Rocky Kramer: The Norwegian Virtuoso Who Turns Tuesdays Into Rock ‘n’ Roll Legends