Doctor Strange 2: PG-13 Rating Didn't Ruin Horror Vibe Thanks To Sam Raimi

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WARNING: The following contains SPOILERS for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was allocated a PG-13 rating, which led to some worries about how this would affect the horror aspects of the movie — but with Sam Raimi at the helm, those worries were needless. Sam Raimi signed on to direct Doctor Strange 2 in February 2020. Derrickson directed the first Doctor Strange in 2016 before leaving the production of its sequel, due to creative differences. While many directors may feel constrained by a PG-13 certificate, Raimi's credentials and execution proved this wasn't a limitation.

Across both Derrickson and Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured more potent horror elements than previous MCU movies. Truthfully, the horror was prevalent all the way up to Doctor Strange 2's ending. Doctor Strange was the first Marvel Studios movie to lean into horror aspects, though not in any meaningful way. With Derrickson, a horror filmmaker himself, directing, Doctor Strange included some slightly scarier elements than previous MCU movies, if only in a few small scenes — such as Strange's trip through the multiverse, including some creepier visuals than usual for Marvel. When production began on Doctor Strange 2, Kevin Feige stated this would be a big MCU film with horror elements, leading many to question if Marvel Studios would release their first R-rated film. While the age rating of PG-13 does mean the movie won't fully commit to that end, it was also no reason for concern with a filmmaker like Raimi in the director's chair.

Related: Doctor Strange 2's Post-Credits Scenes Explained (They're Both Important)

Before being cast as Doctor Strange 2's director, Sam