Sad news for Marvel and Doctor Strange fans, Scott Derrickson, writer/director of the 2016 mega hit Doctor Strange has parted ways with Marvel and will no longer direct its sequel Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness.
What Happens Now?
In a Twitter post, the director cited “creative differences” as the reason for parting ways with the franchise.
Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP.
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) January 10, 2020
In 2016, Doctor Strange became a critical and commercial hit, grossing nearly $680 million worldwide. The film was lauded for its star-studded cast and impressive visuals and even scored an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.
Some fans couldn’t help but express their disappointment with the announcement on Twitter. But we take comfort in knowing that the decision to part ways was “mutual”.
“Marvel, we’ve come to bargain!”
such a bummer. The first Strange is really something special, and MoM was the upcoming Marvel project I was most excited about. Can’t wait to see what you get up to next.
— Colin McLaughlin (@thiseffingnerd) January 10, 2020
Ugh. Sad news. Sorry, sir. Still hopeful for the movie, and I’ll be there for whatever you make next.
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) January 10, 2020
So, what happens now?
Marvel Studios will have to find a replacement sooner rather than later as filming for Doctor Strange 2 has already been set to begin on May this year and with its release scheduled a year later on May 2021, Marvel Studios cannot afford any delays.
All suggestions are very much welcome! All hope is not lost though as Derrickson also revealed at the end of his Twitter post that he will remain as an Executive Producer of the film.
Are Changes Coming?
In July 2019, Marvel Boss, Kevin Feige and Scott Derrickson revealed that Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness will have more of a horror tone and will see the Sorcerer Supreme (Benedict Cumberbactch) team up with Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). There have also been reports that the sequel may bring back a character or two from the dead and “Nightmare” as the main villain.
But after the director’s announcement, it could be back to the drawing board for Doctor Strange 2 and changes to the original plan could be coming.
Doctor Strange is one of the strongest and most mysterious heroes in the Marvel universe. His introduction to the MCU in 2016 was really something. Here’s hoping that whomever the studio chooses as replacement lives up to the challenge.
What do you think is going to happen to the Doctor Strange franchise now? Who do you think should take the reins as director? Drop us a message or let us know in the comments.
