While still a few months away, more and more details are arising ahead ofDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' big theatrical release. Now, it appears Benedict Cumberbatch was nervous about the highly anticipated sequel.
Cumberbatch discussed how he wasrecruited to join the MCUas the famous sorcerer and the pressures that come with playing such a beloved character. In addition to the pressure, Cumberbatch admitted that he initially feltDoctor Strangewas an outdated and sexist character, which he said contributed to his doubts about accepting the role.
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Speaking with Esquire, Cumberbatch also recalled how the studio shifted production to secure him for the role. “They flirted with a couple of other options, then they came back and said ‘We don’t want anyone else to do it,'” he explained. But what is even more intriguing is how a lot of the pressures from2016’sDoctor Strangecarried over to the film’s sequel, as many of Cumberbatch’s nerves stemmed from the desire to completely replicate the success of its predecessor. “I’ve got the Second Album Fear with this one like anyone should, because the first one was such a riotous success and he’s become a much-loved character,” added Cumberbatch.
He would also talk about how more of the MCU’s risks seem to be paying off. “They’re very good at exceeding expectations when expectations are low. I think it’s always harder to exceed them when they’re high. I’m not saying they make them low. ‘We’re going to doAnt-Man!’ It’s just the way they make these things work. On paper, you think ‘Is that exciting?’ They’re starting to take more risks now, I think. I mean, their directors are very tied into the house style.” Cumberbatch would citeThor: Ragnarokand the choice of director Taika Waititi as an example of a risky choice that paid off with hilarious results.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswill finally be soaring into theatres roughly 6 years after the first film, and it is shaping up to be one of the MCU’s most expansive and mind-bending entries to date. As the title suggests, the film will explore more of the growing multiverse that has been set up this past year in series likeWandaVisionandLokiand will further be explored inSpider-Man: No Way Home(which also features Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange) next month. While other details have been kept under wraps, Elizabeth Olsen Olsen did confirm in an interview with Glamour UK thatDoctor Strange 2was headed down a much darker route, almost resembling a horror movie at times.
Olsen’s Scarlet Witch, Benedict Wong’s Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Baron Mordo,Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez, and Rachel McAdams’ Christine Palmer will be joining Cumberbatch, while Sam Raimi (who is best known for his work on classics likeEvil Deadand the Tobey MaguireSpider-Mantrilogy) replaced Scott Derrickson as director. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is also rumored to make an appearance, as the finale of his series left many unanswered questions that have answers possibly pointing to Doctor Strange.Lokihead writer Michael Waldron, who was praised for his work on the Marvel Studios series, was hired to rewrite the script along with newcomer Jade Bartlett. Last month, it was announced thatDoctor Strange 2would be pushed back yet again to May, joining Disney’s other delayed Marvel films.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessreleases in theatres on May 6th, 2022.
