The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues its endless expansion and consumption as its infinite concepts and characters cross over and interconnect forever. In all that vast expanse, one filmmaker is uniquely responsible for the newest big move in the franchise.
The hotly anticipated upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home will feature the long-awaited return of the early 2000's version of Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, and perhaps even that trilogy's Peter Parker. The visionary behind that beloved series is also the mastermind chosen to direct the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, creating a fascinating intersection through the work of one great auteur.
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Sam Raimi began directing films in the late 70s when he was a teenager. His first major success came in 1981 with the cult horror smash hit The Evil Dead, the poster child for the cabin in the woods horror film and an inspiration to a generation of horror filmmakers. Raimi went on to direct two sequels to the film, Dead By Daylight and Army of Darkness, both of which have become hugely appreciated cult hits since their release. While Raimi made his name in horror and remains a massive figure in that world, his work spans multiple genres.
Raimi was one of eight potential directors considered for the task of adapting Marvel's flagship character Spider-Man to cinema for the first time. The project began in the eighties, fell through numerous times, then finally set to work with Raimi at the helm in 2001. It is rumored that his love for the character was what got him the job over competition like Roland Emmerich, David Fincher, and M. Night Shyamalan. Raimi's take on the character was naturalistic, creating a timeless portrayal of the classic superhero.
2002's Spider-Man redefined superhero cinema forever, in some ways laying the path for the state of the modern blockbuster. Raimi directed the two sequels, each of which were similarly huge hits, despite the third film's controversial direction. Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy remains among the most beloved works that Marvel has ever been involved with. Raimi's grasp of horror and experience in genre cinema allowed him to create well-realized versions of comic book villains. The film's take on often silly bad guys struck a perfect balance between terrifying and sympathetic. After the incredible success, Raimi has stayed out of the superhero genre, but his characters are on their way back to the big screen.
Raimi's take on the classic comic villains will reappear in No Way Home, finallly making their entrance into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans are thrilled to see the return of the hauntingly brilliant Doctor Octopus portrayed by Alfred Molina or the cruel split personality Willem Dafoe brought to the Green Goblin. While this film will not be directed by Raimi, the characters left such a strong impression that they will have no trouble making the leap. Director John Watts would have been 21 when the films began, he was likely influenced by the massive blockbusters, and Raimi's work will likely have a huge influence over the current films.
The in-narrative source of this sudden crossover between cinema universes is the powerful magic of Doctor Strange. After the events of Far From Home, Parker finds his secret revealed and desperately approaches Strange to request he make everyone forget. Strange attempts to help, but in doing so, somehow combines the universes and connects the MCU's New York City to that of Raimi's trilogy and the Amazing Spider-Man continuity. The fact that Strange is responsible for getting Raimi's characters mixed in with the MCU is interesting, considering who is set to direct Strange's next film.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to be directed by Sam Raimi, and there is possibly no better superhero film to show off his unique talents. Doctor Strange's second solo outing promises to be one of the weirdest and most unhinged pieces of the MCU. Raimi cut his teeth in the dark world of supernatural horror, crafting unnerving creatures and nightmarish scenarios. The man who turned Doc Ock into a slasher movie terror will likely have a ton of fun with Shuma-Gorath. While Raimi's involvement provides a great deal of promise for the upcoming film, it also marks his return to the genre after 15 years.
In the decade and a half between Raimi-led superhero films, the genre has transitioned from occasional blockbusters to the dominant mode of modern cinema. If Raimi were making the Spider-Man trilogy today, much of its simplicity would be sacrificed to insert it into the larger universe. Fans and commentators have noted the massive ambition of works like Endgame which blend multiple works of varied tone and scale into one narrative. Over almost 20 years, Raimi created a stand-alone trilogy that stood so firm in the memory of fans that it found its way into the MCU, even as he takes over another part of the universe.
The synergy of Raimi's triumphant return to the superhero genre, both in reference and to the director chair, speaks to his unique talents and staying power. Raimi's unique touch was sorely missed and will surely spice up the MCU when he finally returns.
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