Initially billed as being the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first horror movie, Scott Derrickson‘s Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness has been one of our most anticipated movies since it was announced, but the bad news tonight is that Derrickson is no longer directing.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister and Doctor Strange director tweeted tonight:
“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.”
Interesting to note, Marvel’s Kevin Feige had recently walked back that initial tease of In the Multiverse of Madness being a horror movie, saying that he “wouldn’t necessarily” call it a horror film but rather a “big MCU film with scary sequences in it.” It’s pure speculation on my part, but perhaps that could be the source of some of those creative differences.
All we know for sure is that Derrickson is out and Marvel’s on the hunt for a new director.
The good news? A new rated “R” horror movie is on the way from Derrickson!
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
Benedict Cumberbatch will be back as the title character, with Elizabeth Olsen co-starring as Scarlet Witch. Doctor Strange will enter the Multiverse of Madness on May 7, 2021.