Anna Daniels
When one ponders about the potential positives of Derrickson dropping out of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, they must also remember what the film was intended to be. Derrickson indeed had big, exciting, specific plans for the film — ones that arguably no one else but him could execute with as much dexterity.
Marvel confirmed the project as part of its Phase 4 announcements at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2019, and in the months that followed, Derrickson noted that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness would be the first horror film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That descriptor meshes seamlessly with Derrickson’s directorial style — the Sinister and Exorcism of Emily Rose filmmaker is all about spooks and scares, and there’s arguably no one more equipped to bring into the MCU a sense of dread than a horror director who’s already helmed a superhero film. But if Derrickson’s no longer sitting in the director’s seat, does that mean Doctor Strange 2 will no longer be tinged with terror?
It’s basically impossible to say for certain at this point. However, some people are theorizing that the “creative differences” Derrickson mentioned as the reason why he left Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness actually rest in his and Marvel’s contrasting views on horror. Did Derrickson want to take Doctor Strange 2 too far into the realm of horror? Did Marvel want to change too much of Derrickson’s vision in order for it to appeal to viewers of all ages — and satisfy the big bosses at Marvel’s parent company Disney? Again, there’s no way of knowing right now. The best anyone can do is hope that Derrickson’s replacement will at least somewhat honor what he had in mind for the film.
Written by: Looper
