As soon as Marvel Studios and Disney decided to bring Doctor Strange to the big screen, it was a gamechanger in terms of what could lie ahead for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the introduction of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Master of the Mystic Arts, it just opens up so many possibilities for the MCU. After all, as well as multiple worlds, realms, and dimensions, the comic book Sorcerer Supreme has also faced off with demonic, supernatural, and legendary figures such as Nightmare and even Dracula. And now director Scott Derrickson has been discussing the doors that introducing Strange to the MCU has opened up.

Speaking to SuperheroHype about whether the sequel may take a more supernatural horror turn, Derrickson enthused, “I wouldn’t necessarily rule anything out. That’s certainly where the comics went in the ‘80s but I also think that was probably the weakest era of the comics. The alternate dimensions and possibilities where the multiverse that we set up with the first film already give limitless possibilities. What I will say is that the goal would not be to underutilize that, or to create something that was less innovative than the first Doctor Strange. The comics, especially the Lee/Ditko comics, were always pushing into unexpectedly weird places and storylines. That has continued on into the current Doctor Strange comics, which are really great. So anyhting’s possible with Doctor Strange, I wouldn’t rule anything out.”

It’s interesting to remember that Derrickson has previously talked about his love of the Nightmare character, so maybe we’ll get to see him turn up at some point in a future Strange outing. The comic book Nightmare is one of Doc Strange’s most infamous rogues, and his main ability is that he thrives on fear itself.

Of course, a Doctor Strange sequel has yet to be officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, although it seems a given at this point. Up next for Cumberbatch’s Master of the Mystic Arts, though, is an appearance in November’s Thor: Ragnarok before he joins Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in May 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War.