It's no secret that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to open the multiverse in a big way. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film will showcase the first MCU team-up of Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange and Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch , and it is expected that it will change the landscape of the franchise in many ways.
The details behind the madness within the multiverse are still being kept under wraps, but plot elements such as the time-travel during Avengers: Endgame and Wanda's transformation into the Scarlet Witch during WandaVision are all expected to play a heavy role in the narrative.
The cast of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will feature new and returning characters such as Chiwetel Ejiofor's Baron Mordo and newcomer Xochitl Gomez as the reality-hopping America Chavez .
With production coming to an end sooner rather than later, one of the lead stars has opened up about the different vibe of the MCU sequel.
ELIZABETH OLSEN ON MCU SEQUEL'S HORROR
Elizabeth Olsen sat down with Glamour for a candid chat, and one of the topics that were discussed is the actress' next MCU outing, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness .
Olsen described the MCU sequel as a “bonkers” movie while also pointing out that the crew is “going for that horror show vibe:”
“It’s a bonkers movie, they’re definitely going for that horror show vibe.”
In the same report, Glamour also revealed that Olsen has been living in Richmond, London with her musician fiancé Robbie Arnett since October. This is a possible indication that the actress began work on the sequel at that time.
DOCTOR STRANGE 2 EMBRACES HORROR
Olsen's “horror show vibe” comment should give fans a general preview of what's in store for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness . Embracing this concept essentially creates a unique storytelling opportunity for the sequel, thus marking the first time that the MCU will do a deep dive into this theme.
In a previous interview from 2019, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that the Benedict Cumberbatch-led sequel will be a “big MCU film with scary sequences in it:”
"I wouldn’t necessarily say that’s a horror film but … it’ll be a big MCU film with scary sequences in it. "
This implies that Multiverse of Madness will explore the aforementioned horror vibe by exploring scary sequences combined with the usual superhero spectacle that the MCU is known for.
Not much is known if the specifics about the film's horror led to the departure of Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson , especially considering the fact that he is an accomplished filmmaker under this genre.
Still, Sam Raimi's experience in handling scary films such as the cult classic Evil Dead should benefit Multiverse of Madness if Marvel really wants to aim for that horror vibe.
WandaVision already included several scary elements such as Agatha Harkness' underground lair, and this should bode well for Olsen's seamless transition into the sequel.
The Benedict Cumberbatch-led sequel is shaping up to be an interesting film, and the inclusion of horror elements should propel the sequel even more.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to premiere in theaters on March 25, 2022.
