Doctor Strange 2 promises to be very different from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, mostly thanks to director Sam Raimi. Raimi, who previously directed the original Spider-Man trilogy with Tobey Maguire, is known for his unique directing style. But since Raimi hasn't dabbled in superheroes since Spiderman 3 , Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige was confident he wouldn't say yes to directing the Doctor Strange sequel.

Kevin Feige didn't think Sam Raimi would want to direct 'Doctor Strange 2'

During an interview with Empire for their latest issue, Kevin Feige discussed the Doctor Strange sequel and asking Sam Raimi to direct it.

"Our executive producer, Eric Carroll, and Richie Palmer [producer] were calling to see who was interested, and Sam's agent said, 'What about Sam Raimi? “Feige shared. "We thought, 'That would be amazing, but there's no way that's going to happen. But he wanted to come in and meet. And when you first met, it was amazing to reconnect with him and see his enthusiasm to come back to this world.

Raimi hadn't directed a superhero movie since 2007's Spiderman 3. But he also hadn't directed a movie in general since 2013, when he helmed Oz the Great and Mighty . Raimi was more focused on producing and diving into the television world. Feige therefore did not think that Raimi would want to return to directing after so many years of absence. Fortunately, he was wrong and Raimi agreed to direct Doctor Strange 2 which will be released in 2022.

“I missed directing,” Raimi told Empire. “It's really the only thing I know how to do. I couldn't be a stockbroker, banker, or plumber, and I'm thrilled to be working with my old friend Kevin Feige.

Sam Raimi Was Hesitant To Direct 'Doctor Strange 2'

Although Sam Raimi finally agreed to be a part of Doctor Strange 2 , the director had some hesitation about diving back into the world of superheroes.

"I didn't know I could face it again because it was so awful, having been the director of Spiderman 3 ," he said in an interview with Collider. “The internet was getting faster and faster and people didn't like this movie, and they certainly let me know about it. So it was hard to pick up. »

Raimi added, “But then I found out there was an opening on Doctor Strange 2 . My agent called me and said, "They're looking for a director at Marvel for this movie, and your name came up." Would you be interested?' And I thought, 'I wonder if I could still do it.' They are very demanding, this kind of photos. And I thought, 'Well, that's reason enough.' " 

"I've always really liked the character of Doctor Strange," concluded the director. “He wasn't my favourite, but he was among the favourites. I loved the first movie. I thought [director] Scott Derrickson did a terrific job, an amazing job. So, I said, 'Yeah.' They left the character in a great place. I didn't think I would make another superhero movie. It just happened. »

Kevin Feige teases the tone of the next MCU movie

While speaking with Empire, Kevin Feige shared how Doctor Strange 2 would stay true to Sam Raimi's directing style.

"We want it to be a Sam Raimi movie," Feige said. "We were giving notes like, 'This action is cool – you're competing with Avengers and Spider-Man, no problem – but don't forget the Sam Raimi parts.' You'll see just how great Sam Raimi is, in a way that will make Evil Dead 2 fans very happy. »

The Doctor Strange 2 trailer has already teased the horror elements and unique camerawork that define a Sam Raimi project. And fans couldn't be more excited to see the director's take on this corner of the MCU.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness premieres exclusively in theaters on May 6.