Scott Derrickson quits as director of 'Doctor Strange' sequel

Initially billed as being the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) first horror movie, Scott Derrickson's "Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness" has been one of the most anticipated movies since it was announced. Unfortunately though, Derrickson will no longer be seen on the director's chair.

"The Exorcism of Emily Rose", "Sinister" and "Doctor Strange" director has quit the "Doctor Strange" sequal as director. In a statement, the studio cited "creative differences" as the reason for Derrickson's departure.

"Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways on 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' due to creative differences. Derrickson will stay on as an executive producer and we remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU," the statement read.

Derrickson also confirmed the news on his Twitter account, which stated, "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."

The search for a replacement in currently underway and the studio plans to start the production in May. Interesting to note, Marvel's Kevin Feige had recently walked back that initial tease of "In the Multiverse of Madness" being a horror movie, saying that he "would not necessarily" call it a horror film but rather a "big MCU film with scary sequences in it." It is being speculated that perhaps the move could be the source of some of those creative differences.

Featuring British actor Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular superhero with Elizabeth Olsen co-starring as Scarlet Witch, the sequel to 2016 "Doctor Strange", is scheduled to be released on 7 May, 2021.