The MCU Cut A Dimension In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

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While the Marvel Cinematic Universe feels vast and endless with its multiple universes, it actually has limits. Director Sam Raimi shared that an entire fourth dimension was originally planned for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but it was eventually removed from the film.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness explores three different universes: the main Marvel timeline (Earth-616), a universe ruled by the Illuminati (Earth-838), and a reality where Doctor Strange battles an evil version of himself influenced by a dangerous book. Interestingly, director Sam Raimi has revealed that they actually developed a fourth universe for the film that ultimately didn’t make the final cut.

I was reading an interview with Sam Raimi about his film Send Help over on The Playlist, and he revealed something really cool that didn’t make the final cut. Apparently, they actually filmed a whole alternate universe and backstory for Christine Palmer, played by Rachel McAdams! He said she was attacked by demons and fought them off all on her own in this other dimension, but ultimately they had to leave that whole storyline—and the fight scene—on the cutting room floor. It’s a shame, because it sounded pretty awesome!

Raimi was particularly impressed with the actor’s performance. He worried the scene might be overly silly, but she delivered it perfectly. He was amazed by her ability to transform what seemed like a ridiculous idea into something truly special. He also commended her dedication and how committed she was to realizing his vision.

During the reshoots, I included some intentionally over-the-top fight scenes, which I enjoy doing. I had to direct the actress by telling her things like, ‘Imagine demons are rising up and punching you!’ I could tell she thought it sounded silly. I then asked her to picture falling back onto a chaise lounge, with a demon jumping on top of her. The idea was for her to catch it with her legs for a split second, like a flying trapeze artist, and then powerfully throw it off!

This incredibly talented actor just performed a beautiful violin concerto for me. She played it flawlessly in three different registers, hitting perfect C notes each time, moving up an octave with each rendition. It was amazing! But then, she asked about the staging – specifically, how she should approach the couch and at what speed after being ‘hit’ by a ghost. It was a surprising question, but it showed her dedication. She wasn’t going to dismiss the idea as ridiculous; she was immediately thinking about how to make the scene even better. She’s a true professional who took the material and really brought it to life.

I realized she wasn’t dismissing the idea – she was determined to make it amazing. Her focus was on making it authentic and high-quality. She turned a simple concept into a thrilling action sequence, and it felt surprisingly realistic, even considering it involved fighting ghosts and demons – which, by the way, is something I enjoy! [laughs]. Seeing her do that made me immediately want to collaborate with her again. She’s incredibly skilled at developing characters, moving the story forward, and she understands and respects the audience’s intelligence.

Released in 2022, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the second movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to focus on Doctor Strange. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Stephen Strange, and the film also stars Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo, Benedict Wong as Wong, Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Nicodemus West, along with Rachel McAdams.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is available to stream on Disney+.

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2026-02-01 04:10