Scott Derrickson Explains His Choice to Direct The Black Phone Over Another Doctor Strange Film

Overview of the Creative Shift

Derrickson opted for horror with The Black Phone over directing Doctor Strange 2.
His decision was driven by creative disagreements with Marvel, favoring personal artistic vision.
This departure signals a trend among filmmakers seeking creative control over franchise obligations.

Scott Derrickson’s exit from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness represented a significant turning point in Marvel’s Phase 4 strategy. After successfully directing the original Doctor Strange in 2016, Derrickson instead ventured back to the horror genre with The Black Phone, a film that not only garnered critical acclaim but also became a commercial success, featuring the renowned Ethan Hawke.

Despite the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment ultimately earning close to $1 billion under Sam Raimi’s guidance, Derrickson’s decision to pivot was rooted in a strong desire for creative expression. For years, his involvement in the sequel was seen as a given; however, the pressure associated with such a high-profile project likely contributed to his choice. Derrickson has built a reputation in both the horror and blockbuster domains, having crafted chilling narratives like Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and he was eager to revisit this passion.

Scott Derrickson’s Courageous Exit from the MCU

Discussing his departure, Derrickson candidly reflected on the significance of the choice.“Leaving Marvel was undoubtedly a significant decision that few would make, but it became crucial for me, ” he shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He emphasized his continued affection for the Marvel team, acknowledging the good rapport they shared. But ultimately, he expressed satisfaction with his decision to helm The Black Phone. Derrickson has pointed to creative differences with Marvel as a primary factor in his choice to step away.

“We faced genuine creative differences, ” Derrickson noted. He recognized that the vision he had for the film diverged significantly from Marvel’s expectations: “It became increasingly clear that we were pulling in different directions, which can lead to a mediocre film.”

Derrickson’s unwavering commitment to his vision bore fruit, as The Black Phone achieved remarkable box office success and has since secured a sequel, The Black Phone 2. This follow-up is rumored to explore themes of adolescence while continuing the horror legacy established in the first film, particularly focusing on the characters who survived the sinister Grabber portrayed by Hawke. Nonetheless, Derrickson has expressed a desire to wait until his young stars, Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw, reach high school to appropriately align with the sequel’s narrative.

In addition to The Black Phone 2, Derrickson’s next project, The Gorge, is slated for release on February 14, 2025, featuring prominent actors Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller. Derrickson has described it as an unconventional action-packed love story, hinting at another bold creative endeavor.

Derrickson’s decision to pass on Doctor Strange 2 highlights a growing trend within the film industry where creators are increasingly prioritizing their artistic freedom over the lucrative lure of franchise films. While the MCU remains a box-office powerhouse, recent high-profile departures, including those of Edgar Wright from Ant-Man and Patty Jenkins from Thor: The Dark World, illustrate that not every filmmaker thrives under the MCU’s structured model. Ultimately, Derrickson’s success with The Black Phone and the continuation of the Doctor Strange franchise under Raimi point to a win-win outcome for all parties involved.

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