Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessis abig project for Marvel Studios. The film is setting up the multiverse, which will create the scope for so many characters to get integrated into the MCU and crossover in each other’s stories, just like the classic comic book issues. TheMultiverse of Madnessis confirmed to be the first film, which will pave a path forX-Menfilms to merge into theMarvel Cinematic Universe, as Patrick Stewart reprises his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X. The film will be nothing short of a grand merger of all Marvel stories, regardless of the franchise, into one, unified multiverse.
But, the film is also a grand reunion of the camera. While the film unites several Marvel Comics characters on-screen,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessalso reunitesSam Raimiwith his Marvel Studios prodigy, Kevin Feige. The two previously worked together on the originalSpider-Man,produced under Sony’s banner in association with Marvel Entertainment. The film was helmed by Sam Raimi, with Feige working as a junior producer under Avi Arad. It was later when Feige and Arad created MCU, with Arad leaving the studio and leaving Feige in charge,taking over as visionary for the franchise.
After two decades, the two names will appear among creative heads behind one of the most important Marvel movies. Talking of this fantastic reunion, Feige, in a recent interview withCollider, said:
It’s surreal, and particularly surreal that it’s full circle with Mr. [Sam] Raimi. I was a young producer who just felt lucky to be in the same room with him. Now, I’m an old producer that just feels lucky to be in the same room with him.
It’s surreal for the fans as well.Spider-Manis one of the projects that allowed Marvel Studios to become what it is. It was a time when famous Marvel characters’ rights were with different studios, including Universal, Sony, and Fox. Marvel was associated with all projects undergoing production at these studios, butSpider-Manwas the most astonishing success. The project brought light to thenew superhero genre, catering to both kids and adults alike. He was a superhero with personal struggles and vulnerabilities easily connected to the audience, setting up the stones for Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now that theRaimi has returned to Marvel, with Feige running things there, it just hypes up the film and the emotions behind it.
Sam Raimi Also Discusses Helming the First MCU Movie
Sam Raimi has returned to directionafter a long time. His last wasOz: The Great and Powerful, the 2019 spiritual prequel to the 1939 classic,The Wizard of Oz. And to have him return with an MCU film takes him back to the days when he actually helped pave a path for the franchise two decades ago. Responding to Feige’s reminiscing about their previous days onSpider-Man, Raimi said,
There were really a lot of Marvel movies being made when we made the Spider-Man movies. Kevin was also working on the X-Men movies and the Iron Man movies. Kevin and his boss, Avi Arad, were already developing the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even back then. So, I was very fortunate to get that directing job. I love Spider-Man. I’m glad I had a moment in helping be one of the first MCU movies.
Sam Raimi’s first official return to MCUwas as a consultant onSpider-Man: No Way Home. That also made his original trilogy ofSpider-Manfilms canon to MCU, making him the director of the first MCU movie in retrospect. It has been a memorable journey for Raimi and Spider-Man fans who watched not just their favorite original Spider-Man but the creator behind it making their MCU debuts, bringing in Feige’s and Raimi’s work on these characters full circle.
WithMultiverse of Madness, the Godfather of superhero films, and Marvel’s visionary will bring more characters back to where they belong as the franchise taps into the vast multiverse. It’s surreal how Raimi, the man behind the inception of the superhero genre, willonce again take it upon himselfto ignite a new phase of crossover stories within the MCU. And withFeige, a junior back then, at command, makes it more enthralling.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessis currently receiving positive first reactions after having its premiere today and will release worldwide on July 19, 2025.
