Director Sam Raimi is making his big return to the world of Marvel after giving us the original “Spider-Man” trilogy and then walking away when “Spider-Man 4” fell apart just before cameras were set to roll. Marvel Studios was able to convince the filmmaker to come back to tackle “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness” after Scott Derrickson exited the sequel over “creative differences.”
Some fans became concerned the exit of Derrickson telegraphed that the studio might be backtracking on the horror elements that had been promised at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. However, Raimi denied this during a recent interview with Fandango.
“Even after Scott left the picture due to creative differences, that was still the mandate — to make the first Marvel film that had an element of horror. So, I kept true to their original statements.”
He continued to ease fan concerns, saying, “It is spooky at some times and scary at others. It’s unknown what you’ll find in the multiverse. It’s within that unknown that suspense and darkness exists. A tool to titillate the audience’s fear.”
The trailer for “Dr. Strange 2” obviously has some Lovecraftian nods horror fans should notice with the tentacled creature, Gargantos (filling in for Strange villain Shuma-Gorath), attacking our heroes.
The director also gave a rundown of the Marvel films he’s seen, which aren’t many, only four or five out of the massive count of nearly thirty films. “I had seen ‘Iron Man,’ the first ‘Avengers,’ ‘Black Panther,’ and ‘Doctor Strange,’ and little clips of the other movies. They’ve made 28 movies. I’ve only really seen four or five, so I’ll say not that familiar.”
Raimi didn’t mention what he’d like to do next but sounds keen to work with Marvel Studios and the producing team in the future, saying, “It’s like the world’s best toy box to be able to play at Marvel. I’d love to come back and tell another tale, especially with the great management they’ve got there.”
Of course, the subject of Tobey Maguire‘s return in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” was brought up, and Raimi was pressed on whether he’d be open to doing another project with the actor. He added that even if it wasn’t a “Spider-Man” project, he’d like to work with Maguire “in a different role.”
“I love Tobey. I love Kirsten Dunst. I think all things are possible. I don’t really have a story or a plan. I don’t know if Marvel would be interested in that right now.”
I’m sure as the press tour chugs along Raimi will be asked about who else in the Marvel character roster he’d like to bring to the big screen.
“Doctor Strange” will be released in theaters on May 6 and Marvel just released a new poster and a “Dream” TV spot today as well (see below).