Scott Derrickson, the director of 2016's Doctor Strange, has opened up about the movie's initial delay and explained how the release was held back so Benedict Cumberbatch could star.

On Twitter, Derrickson discussed the recent change to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's release slate due to coronavirus and reiterated that delays can be a good thing. He also noted Doctor Strange was held back by five months so he could secure Cumberbatch, who had prior commitments. Derrickson then went on to explain this allowed extra time for some of the movie's wild visuals and the for writers to tighten up the script.

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Since Doctor Strange, Cumberbatch has become a cornerstone of the MCU, appearing in the likes of Thor: Ragnarok,  Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. As it stands, Strange looks set to be part of the revamped Avengers roster following Endgame's departures and will soon lead another standalone with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Currently, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been delayed by six months and is expected to arrive in theaters Nov. 5 2021.

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