Benedict Cumberbatch assures fans the Doctor is in good hands.
As he continues to film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Cumberbatch praised director Sam Raimi for his work on the MCU sequel and how he will help Strange’s partnership with the Scarlet Witch work.
Raimi’s Strange journey
Originally, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was going to be directed by Scott Derrickson, who made the 2016 film a huge hit.
But in early 2020, Derrickson announced he was stepping back from the film, citing creative differences but remains as a producer.
Thankfully, the studio found a more than able replacement in Sam Raimi. The director has been a longtime fan of cult audiences for such beloved hits as The Evil Dead and Darkman.
Raimi is also well used to the superhero genre with the original Spider-Man trilogy, which finally brought the Wall-Crawler to big-screen glory.
The superhero and fantasy/horror experience makes Raimi the perfect director to handle Strange’s next cosmic journey.
Cumberbatch on Raimi
Cumberbatch had been a fan choice for some time to play Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme and proved himself in the 2016 film and Avengers Infinity War and Endgame.
Speaking to Collider to promote his new film The Courier, Cumberbatch shared insight on how it is working with Raimi.
Sam [is] amazing. He’s so collaborative. God, he comes with the baggage of an icon. He’s an incredible force, especially in this genre. But he’s so humble, he’s so nice, he’s so appreciative, you really wanna serve him. And boy, when he’s happy, you know you’ve done something right. He’s so good at getting you there and getting it there. It’s been a very, very collaborative process, this one. Our origin stories, I guess, and obviously the beasts that were the Avengers films to be a part of were a thrill, but you’re kind of just along for the ride. You do the best with what you’ve already got given to do. The second time around, there’s a bit more of, ‘So, what do you want to do, and how do we go about solving this?’ So it feels very creative. Scarily so, sometimes.
Strange and the Witch
As with any MCU project, details are scarce on just what the film will be about. The title indicates Strange will be on a journey through Marvel’s multiverse, which might include looks at other realities.
Elisabeth Olsen will be joining the movie as the Scarlet Witch and thus build on the events of WandaVision.
That series ended with Wanda gaining control of the Darkhold, a book of black magic, and seemingly on a quest to revive her lost “sons.”
Creator Jac Schaeffer has said that there were plans for Strange to make a cameo in the series, but Cumberbatch’s schedule wouldn’t allow it.
This leaves fans wondering if Strange will be tutoring Wanda in her new powers or try to stop her from becoming a dangerous threat.
However it happens, Cumberbatch’s praise on Raimi promises the Doctor’s next journey will be even more magical than the first.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness premieres on March 25, 2022.