Doctor Strange Director Explains Why Heartwarming Deleted Scene Was Cut
Doctor Strange took its titular character - as well as the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe - in a [...]
Doctor Strange took its titular character - as well as the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe - in a new, mystic direction when it premiered late last year.
Nevertheless, some moments did not make their way into the film itself, including a scene where the titular hero (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) tended to an injured dog on the streets of Katmandu. The deleted scene was praised by many when it was first unveiled in February.
But according to the film's director, Scott Derrickson, there was a very good reason for the scene to have been left on the cutting room floor. Let's take a dive into what Derrickson said...
Too Much Too Soon
Derrickson took to Twitter earlier today to address the Doctor Strange deleted scene, and justify why it didn't make it into the final film. You can check out the tweet below.
This scene was deleted for pacing and because it was too big a change for Strange's character arc too early in the film. #EditingIsWriting https://t.co/FPsAHqtnVq
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) July 29, 2017
With Stephen Strange beginning Doctor Strange as, frankly, a rather unlikeable character, Derrickson's justification does make quite a bit of sense. While the sorcerer eventually was willing to save people - and not just for the sake of his own gain - it took the various trials and tribulations of the film for him to shake his selfish nature and get to that point.
Derrickson echoed this in subsequent tweets, which you can check out on the next slide.
prevnextThe Hero's Journey
In the replies of Derrickson's original tweet, many went on to praise the deleted scene, as well as the director's justification for cutting it. As the director explained, the heartwarming moment counteracted Strange's emotional journey throughout the larger film.
I love it too but it was working against the character journey so I cut it. Too much change too early. Gotta sometimes murder your darlings.
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) July 29, 2017
But as Derrickson revealed, the scene was initially included as a sort of fail-safe, in the event that audiences would not sympathize with Strange as a character.
prevnextIt was a kind of security scene too - in case Strange was just TOO unlikeable. But it became clear to me in early cuts that wasn't the case.
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) July 29, 2017
Before You Go
Doctor Strange currently has an 81.93 ComicBook.com Composite Score and a 3.98 out of 5 ComicBook.com User Rating, making it the twelfth highest rated comic book movie of all time among ComicBook.com readers. Let us know what you thought of Doctor Strange by giving the movie your own personal ComicBook.com User Rating below.
In Doctor Strange, Dr. Stephen Strange's (Benedict Cumberbatch) life changes after a car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he looks for healing, and hope, in a mysterious enclave. He quickly learns that the enclave is at the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying reality. Before long, Strange is forced to choose between his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
Doctor Strange was directed by Scott Derrickson, who co-wrote the film's screenplay with Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill. Doctor Strange stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, along with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt, Scott Adkins, Mads Mikkelsen, and Tilda Swinton.
Benedict Cumberbatch is next slated to appear as Doctor Strange in Thor: Ragnarok, which was teased by the post-credits scene to Doctor Strange. Thor Ragnarok opens in November 2017.
Doctor Strange will then fight alongside the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes in the battle against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, opening in May 2018. His role in the sequel, which will open in May 2019, is unknown.
Marvel Studios has not yet announced plans for a sequel to Doctor Strange. Most expect that a sequel will be announced whenever Marvel Studios officially announces its plans for the fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that Doctor Strange will have a major role to place in the shared universe's future.
More Doctor Strange News: Avengers: Infinity War Leaked Photo Reveals Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, And More / Ant-Man & Doctor Strange Team Up In New Avengers: Infinity War Set Photos / Avengers: Infinity War - Could We Finally See The Illuminati?
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