Doctor Strange 2: “a Monstrosity”, Scott Derrickson Reveals Why He Left The Film | The USA Print – Global News, Entertainment, Tech, Celebrity Health And Wellness, Global Market – Breaking US News Today

In 2022, Marvel Studios’ highest-grossing film was Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – 88%, however, the public and critical reaction was not as good as expected. The direction was carried out by Sam Raimi, who replaced Scott Derrickson, director of the first installment, Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme – 89%. Although the reason why Derrickson abandoned the project has been known for a long time, in a recent interview he delved a little deeper into the subject, and said that if he had stayed the film would have been “a monstrosity.”

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Scott Derricksonborn July 16, 1966, debuted with the film Hellraiser: Inferno in 2000. Although he wrote and rewrote numerous scripts that never saw the light of day, he found success with The Exorcism of Emily Rose – 45% in 2005, which grossed more than US $144 million worldwide. He went on to direct films such as the infamous remake The Day the Earth Stood Still- 21% with Keanu Reeves, and Sinister – 63%, produced with Jason Blum.

In 2016 he ventured into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the first installment of Doctor Strange, achieving notable success. In 2021 he directed The Black Telephone- 93%, adaptation of a story by writer Joe Hill that received several awards, including the Bram Stoker. In 2022, it was announced that he would direct the film The Gorge for Apple TV+, with renowned actors such as Anya Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver.

Also read: Marvel producer defends Wanda becoming a villain in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Why did Scott Derrickson abandon directing Doctor Strange 2?

While attending the podcast The Discourseof The PlaylistDerrickson explained that if he had stayed to direct the sequel to Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supremethe result would have been monstrous (via JoBlo):

All I can say is that what we said publicly is exactly the truth. We had real creative differences. You know, the movie I wanted to make and how I wanted to make it was different. It was increasingly obvious that we were at odds. And I think that’s how you make a really bad movie. When the producer or the studio and the filmmaker make different movies, you end up with a monstrosity and, you know, that’s why I had to run away.

The first Doctor Strange established itself as a shining gem in the MCU. The film was praised for several elements, particularly Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Doctor Stephen Strange. His performance provided depth and character to a character who transitions from the arrogance of a renowned neurosurgeon to a master of the mystical arts. The visual effects, which featured mystical dimensions and alternate realities, were considered revolutionary, offering viewers a singular cinematic experience. Additionally, the soundtrack, composed by Michael Giacchino, enriched the film’s atmosphere, and the introduction of magical and multiverse concepts into the MCU opened new doors for future narratives.

However, there was also criticism. The main villain, Kaecilius, played by Mads Mikkelsen, was considered by some to be underdeveloped and superficial. The narrative and the main character’s arc, for some critics, followed a structure reminiscent of other superhero origin films in the MCU, but what was most criticized was the abuse of jokes in moments that had epic potential. Furthermore, the casting of Tilda Swinton in the role of The Ancient One generated controversy, as the character, who is Tibetan in the comics, was played by a white actress, which was seen by many as a case of “whitewashing” in the casting.

Despite everything, that film did not divide opinions as much as the sequel directed by Sam Raimialthough this one raised considerably more money than its predecessor, and if there is a third installment, it is still not clear if it will succeed again in a big way, since the last films in the franchise have not been as successful.

Don’t leave without reading: Scott Derrickson criticizes his remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still and says it almost ruined his career