Doctor Strange Sequel Loses Director Scott Derrickson

Scott Derrickson, director of the first Doctor Strange movie, has announced that he will not direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The news came late Thursday night. Reportedly, creative differences caused Derrickson and Marvel to split, though he will still serve as Executive Producer for the film. The sequel will have horror elements, something the Marvel Cinematic Universe has yet to explore.

Doctor Strange in the Search for the New Director

Scott Derrickson went on Twitter Thursday night, tweeting that he and Marvel have decided to part ways.

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

Marvel, in a statement, said the following:

“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.”

Scott Derrickson has been signed on to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness for about a year. Derrickson, who both wrote and directed the first Doctor Strange movie, was aiming to introduce horror into the sequel. A notable horror writer/director, many fans were excited to see the new direction and how it would connect with WandaVision. Now, with Derrickson gone, Marvel Studios will have to find a new director.

As of now, Marvel has made no mention of a later release date so perhaps they have somebody in mind to replace Derrickson. They may have started looking when Derrickson tweeted that “Studio release dates are the enemy of art,” back in December. Though he later replied to a fan saying there was no Doctor Strange connection, many assumed that he was referring to the Marvel project. Regardless, it will be difficult to replace someone who was so integral to the first film.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will release May 7, 2021. How do you feel about Scott Derrickson’s departure? Do you have anybody else in mind who could replace him as a director? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!