4 Years on, Sam Raimi Admits 1 Problem With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

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Sam Raimi’s 2022 film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, brought a horror feel to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Looking back, though, Raimi wishes he’d given one character more screen time. The movie centers around Doctor Strange offering help to the Scarlet Witch, only to discover she’s using dangerous magic to reunite with her family, even if it means harming other universes. Raimi feels the actress who plays an important person in Doctor Strange’s life deserved a much larger role in the film.

I was reading The Hollywood Reporter on X today, and apparently Sam Raimi has some regrets about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. He feels like they didn’t give enough to do to poor Rachel McAdams! Her character, Christine Palmer, was important to the story, but he wishes they’d expanded her role even further. It’s a shame, because I always like seeing more of her on screen.

You know, after revisiting ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,’ I have to agree with director Sam Raimi. It really felt like Rachel McAdams, a fantastic actress, didn’t get nearly enough to do in the film. She’s incredibly talented, and I left the theater wishing they’d given her character a more substantial role.

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 8, 2026

Following the positive reception of Sam Raimi’s new film, critics have particularly praised Rachel McAdams’ performance. Raimi recently mentioned he believes McAdams’ character, Christine, could have had a more significant role. While she appeared in a wedding scene as one version of the character, and also played a scientist from an alternate universe involved with the Illuminati who assisted Doctor Strange, Raimi feels her potential wasn’t fully realized.

What If…? Showed How Important Christine Was For Doctor Strange

Christine Palmer is clearly a significant person in Doctor Strange’s life. She played a key role in the first movie, directed by Scott Derrickson, assisting him as he developed his magical abilities. While she reappeared as a version of herself from another reality in the sequel, she wasn’t given much to do, with Doctor Strange handling most of the challenges. This was a letdown, particularly after seeing her powerful portrayal in the Disney+ series, What If…?

The animated series What If…? presents a reality where Christine Palmer dies in a car accident with Doctor Strange – a different outcome than in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe, where Strange loses the use of his hands. Driven by grief, this version of Strange obsessively tries to resurrect Christine, delving into dangerous dark magic similar to what corrupted Wanda Maximoff. Each failed attempt pushes him further, eventually causing him to unravel the very fabric of reality. Ultimately, her death leads him to destroy not only his own universe, but nearly the entire multiverse.

Sam Raimi simply wanted to give a talented actress like Rachel McAdams more opportunities to shine, and he’s right to feel that way. McAdams has received both an Oscar nomination for Spotlight and a Tony nomination for Mary Jane, and she’s fantastic in Raimi’s Send Help. But for Marvel fans, it’s important to remember how significant Christine Palmer is to Doctor Strange’s story. Just like Jane Foster in the Thor movies, her character deserved more attention and development.

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2026-02-08 23:40