Marvel is in talks with director Sam Raimi to take over helming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The film's original director, Scott Derrickson, exited the project earlier this month over creative differences. The news was somewhat surprising, especially since Derrickson directed the original Doctor Strange. Many enjoyed that film for its specific visual style that made it stand out from previous entries in the MCU. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as the titular Doctor Strange was also praised, and he went on to star in Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, and last year's Avengers: Endgame.

Raimi is no stranger to superhero films, having directed the original Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy in the early 2000s. That series of films is widely considered to be a standout in the superhero genre. This is especially true considering it came before any of the MCU films and before the market was as widely saturated with superhero films as it is now. Raimi also directed Darkman, another superhero movie, in 1990, as well as the Evil Dead films in the 80s.

Related: Marvel Just Made Doctor Strange 2 Much Less Exciting

According to Variety, Raimi is in talks to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The movie is expected to begin production in May, leaving the new director with a short amount of time to prepare. The movie will feature the return of Cumberbatch, as well as Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo and Benedict Wong as Wong. However, Rachel McAdams won't return as Christine Palmer, who's also Night Nurse in the comics.

Doctor Strange and Wong in Avengers Infinity War

Much attention has been paid to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness because it will mark the first integration between the MCU films and upcoming shows on Disney+. In addition to the rest of the returning cast, Elizabeth Olsen will join the film as Scarlet Witch after several appearances elsewhere in the MCU. However, she'll first reprise her character in WandaVision, which is expected to lineup with what happens in Doctor Strange 2. Disney just announced this week that WandaVision will premiere in December, with the new Doctor Strange debuting May of 2021.

Fans of the Doctor Strange films and Marvel in general are likely excited to hear that Raimi is in talks to join the MCU. He brings with him a deep understanding of both superhero and horror films, a combination that would serve Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness well. Some were nervous about Derrickson's departure from Doctor Strange 2, especially because the first film was so well-received. However, if talks with Marvel go through, Raimi will be a welcome addition to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

More: Doctor Strange 2 Risks Having Too Many Characters

 

Source: Variety

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