After numerous pandemic-related delays,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessmanaged to finally begin production. Now, the typically tight-lipped Benedict Cumberbatch shared a few details on the highly anticipated sequel while promoting his upcoming spy thrillerThe Courier.
The Oscar and Emmy-nominated actorfirst played the iconic Sorcererin 2016’sDoctor Strange, which saw Stephen Strange learn the ways of magic and alternate realities from the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) after he suffers a career-ending injury. Directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose), Doctor Strangegrossed over $677 million worldwide on a $165 million budget.Despite initially being hired to direct the sequel, Derrickson and Marvel Studios mutually decided to part ways due to creative differences.
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Sam Raimi, who directed the originalSpider-Mantrilogy,was tapped to replace DerricksonwhileJade Bartlett and Michael Waldron penned the script. Waldron is also the creator and head writer for the upcoming MCU series,Loki. The cast ofDoctor Strange 2includes Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, and Benedict Wong. While the exact details of the film have been kept under wraps, the movie is set to tie directly into the hit Disney Plus seriesWandaVision. Elizabeth Olsen recently told Jimmy Kimmel thatWandaVision’s finale was a “complete tee-up” for her character inDoctor Strange 2.
During an interview withCollider, Cumberbatch said that he loved how collaborative Raimi is, saying, “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.” TheDoctor Strangestar added, “When he’s happy, you know you’ve done something right. He’s so good at getting you there and getting it there.” Cumberbatch’s co-stars have been sharing similar praises for the director, withScarlet Witch actress Olsendescribing Raimi as a unique person who is incredible to work with. Furthermore, Olsen noted she wasn’t used to the way Raimi used the camera, but ultimately, she loved working with someone “with such specific goals.”
On a somewhat related note, Raimi’s influence on the Marvel Cinematic Universe is rumored to include appearances by characters from the filmmaker’sSpider-Mantrilogy. Though Raimi is not directing the film himself, Marvel Studios’Spider-Man: No Way Homeis widely believed to be a multiverse story that features Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker andAlfred Molina’s Doc Ock.
Cumberbatch can be currently seen inAmazon Prime’sThe Mauritanian,a film based on the 2015 NY Times best-selling memoir “Guantanamo Diary” that follows Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s (played by Tahar Rahim) experiences while serving 14 years without charge at Guantanamo. Jodie Foster won the Golden Globe for her portrayal of Albuquerque attorney Nancy Hollander. Meanwhile, Cumberbatch plays the Marine lawyer assigned to prosecute him. Shailene Woodley, Zachary Levi, Corey Johnson round out the cast.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverseof Madnessis scheduled to be released in theatres on August 01, 2025.
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