Citing creative differences, it was announced in January of this year that “Doctor Strange” director Scott Derrickson will no longer helm its sequel, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and will instead assume a role as an executive producer for the film. Though this may disappoint fans of the first film, it may delight some to hear that Sam Raimi (“Ash vs Evil Dead”) has been rumored to be taking over as director. With prior experience in directing comic book films, in addition to his undeniable passion for the dark and horrific, Raimi appears to be a more than perfect choice to direct a film which will supposedly take a darker route in comparison to its predecessor.
Prior to Derrickson’s departure, it was announced that “In the Multiverse of Madness” would be the first horror film to be seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though this makes perfect sense for Derrickson, whose resume is filled with horror films, it is understandable that Disney would not want the film to take this path, given its family-friendly reputation. As such, the two parties’ differing concepts regarding the film’s tone are more than likely what resulted in Derrickson stepping down as director.
However, Raimi’s past works, such as the “Evil Dead” series have exemplified his ability to find a happy medium in terms of depicting both horror and lightheartedness. As such, he may be able to produce a film which will find the best of both worlds for the concepts envisioned by both Derrickson and Marvel, which may ultimately help it stand out as unique due to its horror-like qualities, while still possessing content which will be deemed acceptable to be featured under the Marvel Cinematic Universe banner.
Raimi has also had experience in the realm of the comic book film, directing the “Spider-Man” film trilogy featuring Tobey Maguire (“The Boss Baby”) as the eponymous web-slinger. Though many may choose to forget “Spider-Man 3,” the first two films in the series have been recognized as playing significant roles in sparking the interest of superhero films which has led to their immense popularity today. Though “Doctor Strange” has certainly been a fan favorite film in the MCU, if Raimi can successfully produce its sequel in a manner similar to the first two “Spider-Man” films, he very well may be able to elevate it past its successor, and therefore make it one of the best films made by Marvel.
A smaller, but nonetheless exciting plus of Raimi directing is the notion that actor Bruce Campbell (“Army of Darkness”) very well may appear in the film. A self-proclaimed B-movie actor and friend of Raimi’s, Campbell has had a role in many of his films, most notably as the hilariously manic Ash Williams in the “Evil Dead” series, and may contribute an extra dose of charm to what may already be a really likable film.
Even if it was not originally intended for the film to be a horror comedy per se, the notion that Sam Raimi is handling it is all the more assuring that it will be made. Given that it is centering around a character whose stories frequently delve into the dark, zany and weird, the fact that “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” might be entrusted to a director whose style is centered around those qualities makes it even more exciting to imagine the possibilities which it may explore.
Image from The Cosmic Wonder via YouTube
