Doctor Strange 2: PG-13 Rating Won't Ruin Horror Vibe Thanks To Sam Raimi
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was recently allocated a PG-13 rating - a rating that led to some worries about how this would affect the horror aspects of the movie, but with Sam Raimi at the helm, those worries are needless. Sam Raimi signed on to direct Doctor Strange 2 in February 2020 after Scott Derrickson left the project. Derrickson directed the first Doctor Strange in 2016 before leaving the production of its sequel due to creative differences. While many directors may feel constrained by a PG-13 certificate, Raimi's credentials suggest that this will not be a limitation.
Across both Derrickson and Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been promised to feature stronger horror elements than previous MCU movies. Doctor Strange was the first Marvel Studios movie to lean into horror aspects, though not in any meaningful way. With Derrickson, a horror filmmaker himself, directing, Doctor Strange included some slightly scarier elements than previous MCU movies, if only in a few small scenes, such as Strange's trip through the multiverse including some creepier visuals than usual for Marvel. When production began on Doctor Strange 2 though, Kevin Feige stated this would be a big MCU film with horror elements, leading many to question if Marvel Studios would release their first R-rated film. While the age rating of PG-13 does mean the film won't fully commit to that end, it is also no reason for concern with a filmmaker like Raimi in the director's chair.
Sam Raimi has an illustrious career in horror - from his first mainstream horror movie The Evil Dead to movies such as Darkman and Drag Me To Hell, Raimi's many ventures into horror have made him one of the masters of the genre. This means that Raimi can make horror elements, no matter how minimal, shine through despite age ratings. This was evident in Spider-Man 2, another Raimi-directed Marvel movie, in a scene where Doc Ock's tentacles attack a group of surgeons. The horror-infused elements are plain to see, with the entire sequence being ripped almost straight from one of Raimi's older horror movies. With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the horror elements will be even more prevalent. From the increased budget to the more refined way superhero movies are made of late, Raimi will almost certainly bring the horror aspects of the film to the fore despite the PG-13 rating by simply using his own filmmaking skills.
Drag Me To Hell was also a PG-13 horror directed by Raimi, and was praised for its intensely scary scenes mixing with its comedic tone. This could translate directly to Doctor Strange 2 given the MCUs trademark humor and Marvel Studios' willingness to lean into horror. This was evident in both Doctor Strange, but more so in episode 1 of Moon Knight which included some horror elements through the use of Khonshu, the main deity of that show. If Doctor Strange 2 can further expand these themes, there is no reason as to why it couldn't be a genuinely scary film within the confines of the MCU.
While an R-rating for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness would have likely pushed the MCU to new heights in terms of its willingness to engage in new genres, a PG-13 movie directed by Sam Raimi will likely have a similar effect. While Marvel Studios' distinct humor and massively-scaled action sequences will still no doubt feature in the film, this is the first time the studio will truly lean into horror with one of the most accomplished horror directors in Hollywood: Sam Raimi. A filmmaker as well versed, not just in horror but superhero movies also will surely bring a lot to the table despite the age rating of the film in the next installment in the magical side of the MCU: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.