There’s a vacancy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe! Variety reports that director Scott Derrickson has departed from helming ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,’ the sequel to his 2016 film ‘Doctor Strange.’ His other credits include ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ and ‘Sinister.’
According to both the director and Marvel Studios, the split was amicable. The studio provided the site the following statement:
“Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways on ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ due to creative differences. We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU.”
Meanwhile Derrickson provided his own statement on his departure from the film on his Twitter account:
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
According to Variety, Derrickson’s departure from the film has not yet resulted in any delay from the film’s production schedule, which is currently set to begin in May, specifically the 4th of May in the United Kingdom.
While no one is attached to replace Derrickson yet, the studio has already begun the search for a new director. The only known screenwriter for the film is newcomer Jade Bartlett.
Both Benedict Cumberbatch and Benedict Wong will reprise their roles of Doctor Strange and Wong (respectively) in the film, with the addition of MCU alum Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch. The film will have two lead-ins from the Disney+ shows ‘WandaVision’ and ‘Loki,’ which are set for late 2020 and spring 2021, respectively.
There are no known story details for the sequel, but it will be the ‘first scary MCU film,’ featuring horror components and sequences.
‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ is still set to release on May 7, 2021.
Sources: Variety, Scott Derrickson
Jacob Tyler contributed to this article.