Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his portrayal of the titular sorcerer in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, shares his experience working through the movie’s comprehensive reshoots and discusses his ongoing role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Despite surrounding reports on the challenges faced during production, Cumberbatch admitted to The Playlist’s Bingeworthy TV podcast that he stayed disconnected from the buzz. “You’re part of a big machine, but you’re just trying to solve the problems on a set like any other job. And, yeah, it’s a massive sand pit to play in with very big and expensive, breakable toys. But you can only really do that if you’re loose and free and just doing your work as an actor. So, I kind of knuckled down and did that,” he explained.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness faced its fair share of upheaval, including the departure of its original director Scott Derrickson, the COVID-19-induced production delays, and demands for multiple script rewrites by Marvel Studios. Despite these hurdles and a spectrum of reviews, the film was a box office success, amassing $955 million globally in 2022.
The Future of Doctor Strange in the MCU
Doctor Strange’s latest appearance concludes with a mid-credits tease featuring Clea, portrayed by Charlize Theron, summoning Strange for an urgent mission within the Dark Dimension. Although Cumberbatch hinted at “some Marvel capers in the making next year” during the JW3 Speaker Series in July 2023, the specifics regarding Doctor Strange 3 and a potential role in Avengers 5 remain as enigmatic to him as they are to the fans.
“We will see. We will find out,” he commented, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the future of his iconic character. “I’m not sure where he’s been and what he’s been up to and who with, but yeah, I know as little as you.”
The movie is available for streaming on Disney+.
FAQs
- Why did Doctor Strange 2 require extensive reshoots?
- Doctor Strange 2 underwent reshoots due to changes in direction, script rewrites, and other production complications including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Who replaced Scott Derrickson as the director of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness?
- Sam Raimi stepped in to direct the sequel after Scott Derrickson departed due to creative differences.
- How successful was Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness at the box office?
- The movie grossed $955 million worldwide in 2022, indicating significant commercial success despite mixed critical reception.
- What did Benedict Cumberbatch say about Doctor Strange’s future in the MCU?
- Cumberbatch revealed he has upcoming Marvel projects, but details about Doctor Strange 3 or his involvement in Avengers 5 are still unknown to him.
- Is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness available on Disney+?
- Yes, the film is currently available for streaming on Disney+.
Conclusion
Despite the tumultuous journey through reshoots and behind-the-scenes alterations, Benedict Cumberbatch maintained his focus on delivering a compelling Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. With the film’s impressive box office success and the enigmatic mid-credits scene setting forth a path for future adventures, fans and the actor himself eagerly await the sorcerer’s return to the MCU. The intrigue surrounding Doctor Strange’s next steps embodies the anticipation and speculation that consistently accompany Marvel’s expansive storytelling universe.