In a somewhat shocking turn of events,Scott Derricksonhas exited as director of Marvel’sDoctor Strangesequel over “creative differences” with the studio.
Derrickson will remain as an executive producer onDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which is expected to pair starBenedict CumberbatchwithElizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch.Benedict Wongis also expected to return for the comic book sequel after the first film grossed nearly $680 million worldwide.Kevin Feigewill serve as producer, just as he does on all Marvel movies.
“Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways onDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessdue to creative differences. We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU," Marvel said in a statement toVariety, which broke the news.
“Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways onDoctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madnessdue to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP,” Derrickson wrote in a statement on Twitter.
Production is still expected to start in May, and Marvel is already searching for Derrickson’s replacement. The news arrives on the heels ofCollider’s scoopthatJade Halley Bartletthad been tapped to write the script. It’s unclear whether she’s receive sole credit or share credit with Derrickson, who co-wrote the first film withC. Robert CargillandJon Spaihts. Since Derrickson didn’t mention a writing credit today, only that he’d stay on as an EP, I assume Barlett is receiving sole credit, andperhapswhatever Marvel asked her to write is what led to the “creative differences” with Derrickson. This news came as a surprise to me, so I don’t have any inside info on what went down, but if I hear of anything, you can bet I’ll update this post.
Disney remains slated to releaseDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesson July 04, 2025. Derrickson’s post is below. I thought he did a solid job on the first film, so it’s a bit of a bummer that he won’t be back, but then again, it was a bummer whenEdgar WrightleftAnt-Man, and that film remains my favorite entry in the MCU. Thus, whoever comes in to direct the sequel will get the benefit of the doubt from me.
