Chiwetel Ejiofor has shared details about his future in the MCU after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and addressed speculation about a possible connection between his role and Venom: The Last Dance
Chiwetel Ejiofor made his MCU debut as Mordo in Doctor Strange (2016). Although his character was initially introduced as an ally of Stephen Strange, the final act showed a disillusioned Mordo taking a dark turn, hunting down those he considered to be abusing magic.
Thoughts on Mordo’s Future
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was originally set to begin with Mordo facing off against Scarlet Witch, losing his mind in the process. Marvel Studios cut the scene, and Ejiofor ended up playing just a Sorcerer Supreme variant of the character on Earth-838.
In a conversation with Josh Horowitz, Ejiofor was asked if he knew the plan for Mordo when he was cast in the role.
“Of course, there were general ideas—as all these things develop over time—that always seemed to be subject to manipulation or change or reinvention,” the actor explains. “Somehow, who knows? [Risas]”
“There’s still room for different aspects to become reality, and to be honest, there were completely new areas for Mordo that weren’t in the conversation at the time, that also had all this capability and potential. It definitely depends, which I think is exciting, on the vision. An individual or a team’s vision for those stories as they progress. “I’m excited about that.”
“I feel like there are some incredibly talented and dedicated people out there,” she continued. “It’s a world that still excites me.”
Mordo’s Story Arc in the Doctor Strange Sequel
As for his feelings about Mordo’s story arc in the Doctor Strange sequel, Ejiofor responded, “Like I said, it was something new. It was something I hadn’t anticipated at all. In that context, I thought it was fascinating. I felt like there was something potentially very exciting about where it could go. I like it in general. “I like the idea that these characters and these worlds can be explored in really incredible ways.”
“I think there’s a beautiful open door there and finding the time to tell those stories where it’s really the most emotional part of that story that you can tell and shed light on that,” He later spoke about a possible return to the MCU as the original Mordo. “I think it has the potential to be really remarkable.”
Chiwetel Ejiofor in Venom: The Last Dance
Ejiofor’s next project is Sony Pictures’ Venom: The Last Dance. It’s widely believed he’ll play the villain Orwell Taylor, but the interviewer wondered if the actor is worried about fan confusion over him appearing in the MCU as Mordo.
“I feel the best thing to do is watch the movie” he replied with a smile. “Important conversations happen when everyone can watch the movies and then participate. The previous conversations aren’t that important at this point. [Risas]. Kelly was great to work with. [Marcel] in that world and engage with a very special character that Tom [Hardy] he danced.”
“When you see Venom coming on set, you go, ‘Wow.’ It’s a real moment.” – Ejiofor stressed. “Tom can stand next to you and say, ‘Venom is here!’ He’s created something truly extraordinary.”
Poison and Speculation on the Multiverse
It’s pretty obvious that his character in Venom: The Last Dance isn’t a Mordo variant, but between that and Rhys Ifans’ unexpected role, it seems like Sony is eager for the cast to lean on speculation to generate interest. After all, the studio did the same thing with Morbius and Madame Web, only to make the MCU multiverse largely irrelevant to both.
Chiwetel Ejiofor continues to be an intriguing figure in the MCU and beyond, with his role as Mordo and his new venture into the Venom universe. Fans can look forward to his upcoming performances and the chance to explore his character more in future projects.