Director Scott Derrickson exits Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
By Erik Swann
Scott Derrickson has officially departed Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Work on Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is in a full swing, with most of its projects in various stages of production. But it seems that one film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, has just experienced a significant setback.
THR has confirmed that director Scott Derrickson has exited In the Multiverse of Madness. His departure was reportedly spurred by “creative differences” between him and Marvel Studios. Derrickson will, however, remain on the project as an executive producer. The project is also still set to start production this spring.
The filmmaker himself took to Twitter to confirm the news and express his gratitude to Marvel for their past work together:
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
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Derrickson was first hired by Marvel Studios back in 2014 to direct and co-write the original Doctor Strange film. A lifelong fan of the character, he was able to successfully translate the Sorcerer Supreme to the live-action realm, as the 2016 movie proved to be a critical and financial hit. About a year later, it was reported that he would return to helm the sequel. This was ultimately confirmed at 2019’s San Deigo Comic-Con where he appeared at Hall H to reveal the project.
During the panel, he described the film as the first scary MCU film. Derrickson, a veteran of the horror genre, likely wanted to dive deep into these specific elements. Because Marvel Studios has never employed true horror, this could have led to the creative differences. Studio head Kevin Feige even stated that the project isn’t as much a horror film as it is a movie with “scary sequences.”
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Seeing Derrickson depart the movie is disappointing, especially given his success with the first film and his background in horror. We’ll be watching intently to see who succeeds him in the director’s chair. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is scheduled to hit theaters on May 7, 2021.