'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' could introduce Silver Surfer, setting up a comic-accurate MCU version of Defenders
The Silver Surfer is best known as an ally of the Fantastic Four, but the former Herald of Galactus has a connection to another Marvel hero who could help bring the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). We're talking about none other than Earth's Sorcerer Supreme, Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Stephen Strange.
The master mystic will soon be returning to the big screen in 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' as part of the MCU's phase 4. The movie is expected to explore at least a few of the infinite alternate worlds that make up the Marvel multiverse and change things permanently for the MCU moving forward.
There have been plenty of characters rumored to be the villain in the upcoming movie including the Fear Lord known as Nightmare and the Surfer's former master Galactus. The good doctor will be needing all the help he can get in his sequel movie and it makes sense he might seek the assistance of a cosmic powerhouse like the Silver Surfer.
Not only would this be an excellent way to introduce the character, it could also help set up a much bigger team-up down the line. Strange and the Surfer have worked together on multiple occasions in the comics, usually as part of the Defenders, Marvel's premier "non-team".
The Defenders are a group of loner heroes who team up to take down common enemies but generally refuse to stick together afterward. Their most famous line-up featured Doctor Strange, the Silver Surfer, Namor and the Hulk.
The MCU has already had one version of the Defenders, which was a Netflix miniseries that served as a crossover between Marvel's 'Daredevil', 'Luke Cage', 'Jessica Jones' and 'Iron Fist' shows. However, the best thing about the Defenders is the title can be used by pretty much any group of heroes, seeing as the "team" is known for having a rotating roster, so it is pretty likely we could see a more comics-accurate version appearing in the future of the MCU.
Mark Ruffalo has already played the Hulk in a number of MCU films and Marvel is reportedly planning on introducing Namor at some point down the line. Multiple people associated with Marvel Studios, including Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers, have expressed interest in bringing the Surfer into the MCU and now that the studio is looking to expand the cosmic side of its shared universe, it makes sense to introduce the Sentinel of the Spaceways sooner rather than later.
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' will arrive in theaters May 7, 2021.