Summary
Scott Derrickson’s departure fromDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswas a massive creative shake-up in Marvel’s Phase 4. Six years after directingDoctor Strange(2016), Derrickson instead returned to horror withThe Black Phone, a surprise hit starring Ethan Hawke. While the MCU epic went on to gross nearly $1 billion under Sam Raimi’s direction, Derrickson chose a different path.
After establishing himself as a major talent in both horror and blockbuster filmmaking, Derrickson’s name was firmly attached toDoctor Strange 2for years. However, helming the tentpole sequel starring Benedict Cumberbatch came with high expectations, and Derrickson had long been passionate about returning to horror. Having previously worked on films likeSinisterandThe Exorcism of Emily Rose, his collaboration with writer C. Robert Cargill and actor Ethan Hawke had already proven to be a successful formula.
Recently, Derrickson opened up about why he choseThe Black Phoneover another MCU blockbuster. “Parting ways with Marvel was certainly a massive decision that not a lot of people would make, but that was really important for me at the time,” Derrickson toldThe Hollywood Reporter. “I really love those guys, and it’s real that we have a good relationship, but I’m glad that I did that. I’m glad I madeThe Black Phoneinstead [ofDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness]. That was probably the most significant choice.” Derrickson has also cited disagreements with the studio as aprimary reason for leaving the MCU behind.
“We had real creative differences. You know, the movie I wanted to make and how I wanted to make it was different than–it was just increasingly obvious that we were pulling against each other. And that’s how you make a really bad movie, I think.”
Scott Derrickson’s Bold Decision To Leave The MCU
The director’s daring choice paid off with massive box office returns and a greenlit sequel.The Black Phone 2will be set during high schooland may combine horror with a coming-of-age bend. The follow-up is expected to follow the first film’s survivors, building on the mythology of Hawke’s sinister Grabber. However, it may be a few years before the movie hits theaters, since Derrickson has also stated he wants to wait until stars Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw are actually in high school. Meanwhile, the director’s next project,The Gorge,releasing July 26, 2025, stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller. It promises to be another bold step in his career, with Derrickson calling it anunusual action-packed love storywith a genre twist.
Ultimately, Derrickson’s choice to turn downMultiverse of Madnessunderscores a broader industry trend where filmmakers are increasingly prioritizing creative freedom over franchise commitments. While Marvel continues to dominate the box office, recent exits—such as Edgar Wright’s departure fromAnt-Manand Patty Jenkins’ exit fromThor: The Dark World—show that not every filmmaker thrives within the MCU’s structured framework. However, given that Derrickson delivered one of the most successful horror films of 2022 whileRaimi is now moving forward withDoctor Strange 3, it appears the choice was beneficial for all.
