One of the most-anticipated MCU Phase 4 movies, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, has lost its director. Scott Derrickson, who also directed the original Doctor Strange, is stepping down.
Derrickson is leaving the project due to "creative differences." He will stay attached to the sequel as an executive producer. The nature or extent of the creative differences is unknown.
"Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences," Marvel said in a statement (via Variety). "We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU."
Marvel is currently looking for a new director. Additionally, it was reported that production remains on schedule to begin in May. Derrickson commented on the news in a statement on Twitter that reiterates the one that Marvel released.
"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 [executive producer]," he said.
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
The 2016 Doctor Strange made $677 million worldwide, and critics enjoyed it. The sequel will bring back Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, following his appearances in the latest Avengers movies.
Derrickson is not the first MCU director to leave or be fired from a project. Edgar Wright was originally set to direct Ant-Man while Patty Jenkins was lined up to direct Thor: The Dark World being exiting. James Gunn was fired from Guardians of the Galaxy 3, but he was later re-hired.
Source: GameSpot