The Sorcerer Supreme himself, Doctor Strange has had a long road to the big screen and Marvel Studios may be bringing that road to an end, as they look for a director/writer(s) for the Phase Three film. Two directors on the short list are Scott Derrickson (Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Day the Earth Stood Still) and Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies). These two I think would make for some fantastic director choices for, Doctor Strange but the question remains: Who should helm Doctor Strange? Let's take a look at these choices and make a verdict shall we?
Jonathan Levine
Jonathan Levine is a great up and coming director and with films like 50/50 and Warm Bodies in his filmography, he has a bright future ahead of him. So, what would make Levine a great choice to direct the feature film debut of, The Sorcerer Supreme? It's all about Levine's dramatic chops as a director. While Warm Bodies is a fun, funny and quirky take on the Zomibie genre as well as give Levine experience with more action-y films. 50/50 proves that he can give us not only a great story with interesting characters for us to care about but, the drama and tension that is given to us in that film along with the fantastic performances proves that not only is Levine a great up and comer who is a force to be reckoned with but also, a fantastic pick for Doctor Strange. In case I haven't made it clear enough for you guys. In order for Doctor Strange to work and for him to be believed to share the same universe as the likes of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and The Incredible Hulk and to be a great film, you need the drama. Drama creates tension and conflict and giving us a dramatic story in a fantastical world like Doctor Strange not only helps us belive that it is possible but, helps us believe that he is a part of the universe created by, Marvel Studios.
Scott Derrickson
Scott Derrickson is mostly known for his works in the realm of horror and the supernatural. He has one big special effects film under his belt and while it's not a good film, Derrickson seems to do his best work when he's writing the films he is directing. I am a huge fan of, SInister and I recently watched, The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Scott Derrickson is fantastic in the realm of supernatural and horror which is a strength that Doctor Strange as a film, could benefit from. The Exorcism of Emily Rose wasn't a scary film by any means but, it was a compelling courtroom drama with some truly horrific moments in it. While Sinister, was a very creepy film and as with Emily Rose , has some fantastic acting in it. I thought it blended the supernatural very well with our world and made you believe that such a world could exist within ours. Doctor Strange would be more family friendly than said films but, given that Scott Derrickson has done a fantastic job blending our world with the possibilities of the supernatural world with some great drama and tension.
Key words throughout this article has been drama and tension. While any film would need this, it is especially true with films dealing with magic and the supernatural which Marvel Studios would be introducing to us through, Doctor Strange. That being said, I've made my verdict on who should direct, Doctor Strange. If you have your own choices or want to comment about mine, make sure to comment below. Who do I think should direct, Doctor Strange?
Scott Derrickson. While I was high on the idea of, Jonathan Levine directing Doctor Strange due to his dramatic chops. Scott Derrickson has experience with special effects, horror and the supernatural. How he easily blends our world with the idea of the possibility of supernatural with great drama and tension, I feel makes him the obvious choice to direct the film despite going many popular choices like David Yates, whom directed the fantastic last four Harry Potter films.
What are your guys' thoughts? Comment below and as always, please be respectful when you do. I apologize for no pictures in the article as I am getting adjusted to using the new tools given in the new article/manage articles page.