Fans have had a long wait for a new Doctor Strange movie to follow 2016's debut of Benedict Cumberbatch's titular character. The highly anticipated sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is due to be released next year, but recent reports have revealed there is trouble ahead on set.
The sequel to Doctor Strange was announced in December 2018 with the first movie's director, Scott Derrickson, slated to direct again. However, creative differences meant Sam Raimi replaced him after he stepped down in January 2020, and then, of course, COVID-19 struck, halting production for some time. After filming finally resumed in March 2021, all assumed the road ahead to be clear. But now it has emerged that the sequel is undergoing serious reshoots until the end of this year.
The Hollywood Reporter has disclosed that sources are describing the new shoot as "significant" and encompassing both "additional photography" and "reshoots." The sources are also reporting that the cast and crew are being subjected to working six days a week for the next six weeks. As for the reason behind it all, insiders say two weeks are dedicated to principal photography necessitated by actor availability issues hampering the initial shoot in the UK, as well as the production playing catch-up after COVID-19 delays from the UK shoot. So far, only Cumberbatch was named as being involved in these reshoots, with the inclusion of other actors uncertain at this time.
The insiders of the movie seem divided as to the significance of the shooting, with one apparently showing their concern saying, "They’re here until the end of the year. That’s like a whole other movie.” However, another added that the scale and complex nature of movies in the MCU often require additional photography and that the shooting is not about adjusting the story at all. Even with this playing down of story concerns, it would not be surprising if this was the case considering the movie's previous production difficulties and the sheer scale of the elaborate multiverse the movie explores.
The changing of directors, the delayed production, and now these additional new shoots are making many fans nervous that it could spell trouble for the movie. It's difficult to analyze what the reshoots could mean for the plot of the film, as so much of its details are still shrouded in mystery, but it seems the inclusion of Raimi at the helm is a comfort to some. Cumberbatch recently praised Raimi's direction, with Scarlet Witch actress Elizabeth Olsen wholeheartedly agreeing.
Anticipation for the sequel grew after rumors of the Doctor Strange 2 trailer release window insinuated a December date, but this has been called into question now after the reshoots. Speculation will no doubt continue, but so far Marvel Studios hasn't announced a delayed-release for Doctor Strange 2. Fans eager to see the character of Doctor Strange again soon can catch him in the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home, which may contain some exciting revelations.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is slated for a May 6, 2022 release.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter