The Exit That Shook the Marvel Universe
When Scott Derrickson, the visionary director behind Hellraiser: Inferno, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and the original Doctor Strange, stepped down from the sequel, fans were left scratching their heads. Citing “creative differences,” Derrickson’s departure was a moment that had everyone talking, especially when Sam Raimi stepped in to fill the void.
“Scott Derrickson, director of Doctor Strange, was originally attached to the sequel but left over ‘creative differences’ with Disney.”
The Creative Chasm Between Derrickson and Marvel
The term “creative differences” is often thrown around in Hollywood, but what did it really mean in the context of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Derrickson envisioned the sequel as a full-fledged horror film, a stark contrast to Marvel’s lighter, action-packed approach.
“Derrickson explains that his version of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness would be a straight-up horror film and much darker than the version created by Sam Raimi.”
The Horror That Could Have Been
Derrickson wasn’t just aiming for a darker tone; he wanted to push the boundaries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by introducing a level of horror that the studio wasn’t comfortable with. In his own words, his version would have been an “extreme departure from the first film” and a “genuine horror film.”
“The ‘creative differences’ referred to by Scott Derrickson when he dropped his involvement with the film were more specifically referring to his intention to add a wider scope of horror to the movie.”
The Raimi Takeover and the Box Office Triumph
When Sam Raimi took the reins, he collaborated with Michael Waldron to create a film that did incorporate elements of horror but also solidified Wanda as the main antagonist, tying into her storyline from the Disney+ miniseries Wandavision. The result? A box office smash, grossing over $955 million worldwide.
“It seems that Derrickson made the right choice, too, as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness went on to gross more than $955 million worldwide, making it the fourth-highest moneymaker of 2022.”
No Bad Blood, Just Different Visions
Despite the divergence in creative vision, Derrickson insists there’s no animosity between him and Marvel. He even attended the premiere of the sequel, a testament to the professional respect between the filmmaker and the studio.
“Scott Derrickson insists there’s no bad blood with Marvel, and the company invited him to attend the premiere of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
What’s Next for Derrickson?
While fans may always wonder what Derrickson’s darker Doctor Strange sequel would have looked like, the director is already onto his next project. Titled The Gorge, the upcoming romantic action film will star Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver and is set to be released on AppleTV+.
“Scott Derrickson is now working on a new movie titled The Gorge, starring Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick), Anya Taylor-Joy (Split), and Sigourney Weaver (Alien).”
The Final Frame
In the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, Scott Derrickson’s departure from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness serves as a fascinating case study in creative vision and studio direction. While the sequel was a commercial success, the “what could have been” will forever linger in the minds of Marvel fans and horror aficionados alike.
