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Out of all the upcoming projects that Marvel Studios has in store for us, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one of the most anticipated. Reason being is that it will surely expand our MCU into an MCM (no, not Man Crush Monday): a Marvel Cinematic Multiverse, setting the franchise up for infinite possibilities. That being said, keeping up with it’s development is crucial, and there have been some significant fluctuations.
First off, Discussing Film has reported that Marvel is eyeing a “30s-40s female open ethnicity villain” and “30s-40s African-American villain”. Two of the most amazing characters I could come up that could apply to either casting fit well into, not only the possible narrative of the film, but the trajectory of the MCU as a whole. They are as follows:
Enchantress
A villainess gifted with magical abilities like Amora the Enchantress makes sense to introduce in the same year both Loki and Thor: Love and Thunder are to broadcast to our reality through the small and big screens respectively. Since Doctor Strange already cameoed in a Thor film, it would be nice to see it happen the other way around for a character from Asgard. Since this film will apparently be packed with many characters, whatever degree she may appear, it could be impactful whether she reappears again later or not.
Beyonder
This is the big one. Beyonder is a cosmic entity that exists across infinite dimensions and also…well, beyond dimensions. In a journey dealing with the multiverse, and knowing how far Doctor Strange has gone (and will go), this character is one highly probable Stephen and Wanda could encounter in their travels. Beyonder is most well-known, though, for bringing a handful of Marvel heroes and villains together on Battleworld for one of the biggest comic events that many are anticipating Marvel Studios will adapt down the road: Secret Wars.
Furthermore, Scott Derrickson, once director of the film, took to Twitter with this:
Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP.
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) January 10, 2020
Thankfully, Scott Derrickson remains a staple of this project, but who will direct the film? Here are some possibilities:
Mike Flanagan
Since Marvel Studios really wants to lean into the horror genre, Mike Flanagan would be an ideal choice to direct. He most recently directed the Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House and the film adaptation of Doctor Sleep. Works of his that are memorable for me were Oculus and Before I Wake. All of these films deal with magical elements in chilling horror narratives, but also develop their characters incredibly well.
Eric Bress & J. Mackye Gruber
This duo, although lesser known, have some notable works. They were creatively involved in installments of the Final Destination franchise, and also wrote/directed The Butterfly Effect. This film, although brutal in nature, shows the true horrors of the alternate worlds one might find themselves in when venturing through the multiverse. Although they would have to tone it down for Marvel, they can go the distance when it comes to horror.
What villains do you think are being cast? What director or directors do you think will helm the film? Let us know!
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness releases May 7, 2021
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