Doctor Strange 2 Director Sam Raimi Admits the Reason Why He Agreed to Direct

Fans were delighted when it was reported that Sam Raimi, the director behind the Tobey Maguire-starred Spider-Man trilogy, is set to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, replacing Scott Derrickson who was supposed to helm before leaving due to creative differences. Now, we know why the director agreed to direct the sequel.

Speaking to Collider, Raimi shared the reason why he decided to return to directing a Marvel movie years after the release Spider-Man 3, which he acknowledged wasn't received well by fans.

"I didn't know that I could face it again because it was so awful, having been the director of Spider-Man 3," Raimi said. "The Internet was getting revved up and people disliked that movie and they sure let me know about it. So, it was difficult to take back on. But then, I found out that there was an opening on Doctor Strange 2. My agent called me and said, 'They're looking for a director at Marvel for this movie and your name came up. Would you be interested?' And I thought, 'I wonder if I could still do it.' They're really demanding, those types of pictures. And I felt, 'Well, that's reason enough.' I've always really liked the character of Doctor Strange. He was not my favorite, but he was right up there with the favorites. I loved the first movie, I thought [director] Scott Derrickson did a wonderful job, an incredible job. So, I said, 'Yeah.' They left the character in a great place. I didn't think I would be doing another superhero movie. it just happened."

To be fair, even though Spider-Man 3 wasn't received well, he is also the director behind Spider-Man 2 which is still considered one of the best comic book films of all time. It's great that Raimi was able to come back to the genre despite the reception of Spider-Man 3. He is a wonderful and imaginative filmmaker who has made a variety of films that have become cult classics. Doctor Strange is also suitable to his sensibilities and, based on the rumors and speculations, it sounds like the sequel is going to be bonkers which is very much fitting for the director.

Also Read:Spider-Man 2 Director Breaks Silence on Doc Ock's Appearance in No Way Home Trailer

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to be released in cinemas on March 25, 2022.