When you think of “Doctor Strange” writer-director Scott Derrickson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” the Keanu Reeves “The Day The Earth Stood Still,” “Sinister,” “Deliver Us From Evil”), do you think of genius comedy?
No? Well, “Doctor Strange” may have some genius comedy in it anyway, thanks to Marvel hiring genius comedy writer (and “Rick & Morty” creator) Dan Harmon to script reshoots for the Benedict Cumberbatch superhero vehicle hitting cinemas Nov. 4.
While Harmon has no experience scripting superhero movies, neither did longtime SNL head writer and “Anchorman” writer-director Adam McKay when Marvel hired McKay to rewrite what became its hugely successful “Ant-Man” blockbuster.
Also Marvel hired one of the best comedy screenwriters in the business, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” mastermind Joss Whedon, to write and direct its two “Avengers” motion pictures – still the highest-grossing Marvel movies in the history of history.
Harmon does have experience scripting supernatural fantasy for the big screen, having ginned up the animated “Monster House” a decade ago.
For TV Harmon created not only Cartoon Network’s “Rick & Morty” but also Comedy Central’s “The Sarah Silverman Program,” NBC’s “Community” and The History Channel’s “Great Minds With Dan Harmon.”
So why was Harmon in particular chosen to augment a Marvel movie? A clue may lie in the fact that the Brothers Russo, who directed Marvel’s last two Captain America movies, also directed 21 episodes of Harmon's “Community” between 2009 and 2014.
Also, one time Harmon came to Comic Con dressed as Iron Man.
Find all of the Hollywood Reporter’s exclusive on the matter here.
