Key Takeaways:
* Screenwriter Michael Waldron turned to filmmmaker Sam Raimi for help with a plot issue in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
* Raimi suggested an innovative solution for how to kill Blackbolt, a character whose superpower is his voice.
* The idea, however, sparked controversy among fans, as it bypassed any major confrontation.
* There are rumors that Raimi is returning to direct Spider-Man 4 following the success of “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
## Sam Raimi’s Quick Thinking
The concept of the Multiverse, despite its early introduction in Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), was deeply explored in the 2022 MCU film “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” This exploration opened up a world of alternate realities and other dimensions. However, it also created challenges for screenwriter Michael Waldron – one of which was how to handle the death of the character, Blackbolt.
In these times of writer’s block, Waldron found an ally in filmmaker Sam Raimi. Known for directing the original Spider-Man Trilogy for Sony, Raimi suggested a simple yet ingenious solution for Blackbolt’s death. Rather than orchestrating an epic showdown, Raimi proposed taking away Blackbolt’s voice. Though straightforward, this solution skirted any significant confrontation, making it controversial among fans.
## Behind The Scenes
Michael Waldron shared his experiences working with Raimi and leading actor Benedict Cumberbatch during an interview with Empire Magazine. He revealed that it was Raimi’s offbeat idea that solved his problem of how to kill off Blackbolt. He confessed to feeling stuck with the script until Raimi interjected with the idea to simply take away Blackbolt’s ability to speak, thus neutralizing his power of projecting ultra-powerful energy from his mouth.
## The Controversy
While Raimi’s solution solved the immediate problem for Waldron, it also raised eyebrows among fans. The method of Blackbolt’s death was seen as an easy way out, depriving audiences of what could have been a significant, suspenseful confrontation. Nevertheless, it did contribute towards the success of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
## What’s Next for Sam Raimi
News is circulating that Raimi might return to the Spider-Man franchise. Despite his aspirations for a fourth film in the original Spider-Man series, the ultimately cancelled series prevented his vision from materializing. However, current rumors suggest that Sony might have re-enlisted Raimi to work on Spider-Man 4, especially after the triumph of 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Consequently, there are speculations that Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield, now part of the SpiderVerse, may appear in the rumored film.
Another significant Raimi involvement is his directorial contribution to “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which is currently streaming on Disney+.
In conclusion, Sam Raimi’s knack for crafting innovative solutions, while sometimes controversial, has left an indelible mark on the MCU. Whether in resolving challenging plot points or directing successful films, Raimi continues to influence the superhero genre. With rumors hinting at his return to the Spider-Man franchise, the industry and audiences alike eagerly anticipate his next move.