Marvel Studios found themselves in a situation last year that was perceived as a bit of a risk, but it ultimately paid off.Doctor Strange, a character largely unknown to anyone outside of the hardcore comic book reading community prior to the release of the movie, wound up really landing with critics and fans. Now,Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange is a beloved member of the MCU andScott Derricksonis owed a lot of credit for the movie’s success. So, assuming Marvel Studios moves ahead withDoctor Strange 2, which they almost certainly will at some point, it seems likeScott Derricksonwill return to the director’s chair. The only problem is, it may be a while.
The 50-year-old director recently spoke withEntertainment Weeklyin anticipation of the upcoming release ofDoctor Strangeon digital and DVD/Blu-ray. When asked about when Marvel may want to get the sequel going,Scott Derricksonmade it pretty clear that it won’t be happening anytime soon, because Marvel Studios already has their hands very full. Here is what he had to say about it.
“I have no idea where it fits in…Right now, I don’t think the people atMarvelare calling anybody for anything. They’re making way too many movies at once right now [to do that]. [Given] how intimately involved they are in the development and shooting and post-production of those movies, they’ve got their hands very full right now.”
Scott Derricksonmentioned earlier this week that he would love to return to directDoctor Strange 2, should it eventually be given the green light. Given the way that the first movie ended and considering what took place in thepost-credits scene, it seems very likely the movie will happen at some point. The director reiterated to EW that he is interested in doing the sequel if he is given the chance, but in the meantime, he is probably going to dip his hand into the world of dramatic television.
“I’ve sort of been off the grid. I very much needed a break after that. But I’m starting to read TV pilots. I love dramatic television, and I’ve gotten quite a few good offers on really good pilots. I may do a pilot before Doctor Strange 2, if Doctor Strange 2 is going to happen.”
Doctor Strangehas grossed $660 million worldwide and was recently nominated for an Oscar in the Best Visual Effects category. Not only that, but the movie is currently sitting at a very solid 90 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. So, it is really a matter of when withDoctor Strange 2, as opposed to if. When the movie happens,Scott Derricksonhas some ideas for where it could go. Here is what he had to say in a separate interview with Comicbook.com
“I wouldn’t necessarily rule anything out. That’s certainly where the comics went in the ’80s but I also think that was probably the weakest era of the comics. Thealternate dimensionsand possibilities of the multiverse that we set up with the first film already give limitless possibilities. What I will say is that the goal would not be to underutilize that, or to create something that was less innovative than the first ‘Doctor Strange.’ The comics, especially the Lee/Ditko comics, were always pushing into unexpectedly weird places and storylines. That has continued on into the current Doctor Strange comics, which are really great. So anything’s possible with Doctor Strange, I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
Marvel will probably have to get through the rest of Phase 3 before givingDoctor Strange 2the official green light, but we will seeBenedict Cumberbatchas Stephen Strange a couple of times before then. He will appear inThor: Ragnarokalongside Thor and Loki this November (which was also teased in the mid-credits scene inDoctor Strange), as well asAvengers: Infinity Warand presumably the untitledAvengers 4.Doctor Strangeis set for release digitally on February 14 and on DVD/Blu-ray February 28.
