The first Doctor Strange film was well-received and a solid entry into the MCU, but it didn’t exactly break new ground. For the sequel, however….
Kevin Feige announced at SDCC 2019 that the second Doctor Strange movie would not only be the first MCU horror film. It wil also showcase a team-up between the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). That’s something that no one expected. Nevertheless, we are all kicking ourselves because we didn’t see it coming.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
The film, entitled Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, will again have director Scott Derrickson at the helm directed the first film- but more importantly – has written and directed such great horror classics as Sinister, Sinister 2, and The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
Turning the screw, Feige brought out Elizabeth Olsen. They explained how her Disney+ show “WandaVision” will directly connect to Doctor Strange 2, which is set to release on May 7, 2021. (Wandavision will focus on the relationship between Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and The Vision.)
In the comics, Doctor Strange has always walked the line between trippy mysticism and horror, a line Derrickson said he intends to walk, which might be a bit of a challenge as they are aiming for a PG-13 rating. This might worry some, as that PG-13 balance might dull the scary elements of the film. However, Cumberbatch said, “I think it’s vital to maintain the humor of the first film, but with a twist of horror.” So, maybe using humor to mask the horror might make it more palatable to the ratings board.
No matter where this lands, I think Doctor Strange 2 is moving in the right direction. If the first film had any criticism, it was for its similarities to the first Iron Man movie and the “standard MCU fair.” This seems like they are trying to breakout and do their own thing. And I like it!
