Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is intense, dark and violent — but are its adult themes so harsh the film should have been slapped with an R rating? The debate is unfolding after the Marvel Studios film opened this weekend.
Some have argued that the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, directed by Sam Raimi, should have been rated R for horror elements and at least three moments of disturbing, graphic violence involving cameos that will not be discussed here.
The debate created such a stir, the topic was trending Sunday on Twitter, some agreeing that the film is too dark and intense for PG-13, with others saying the criticism was nonsense, naming other films said to have pushed the PG-13 threshold much further.
So, did Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness slip one by the ratings board? No. Likely, the violence and horror elements were seen through the lens of being conducted by superheroes and supervillains, which is how parents taking their younger children to see the film would also likely interpret the images and action, thereby making PG-13 the appropriate choice. After all, the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA) board is composed of an independent group of parents.
Neither the MPA nor CARA comment on rating decisions. It is the filmmaker’s prerogative whether to get into the nitty-gritty of what it took to secure a specific rating.
The PG-13 rating was introduced in 1984 after irate parents received media attention for arguing Steven Spielberg‘s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was far too violent and disturbing for its PG rating. There was also an uproar over Gremlins, which Spielberg executive produced.
By that time, Spielberg had amassed enough clout that he could go to MPA president and ratings creator, the late Jack Valenti, and make a case for a new rating, between PG and R, that would better prepare parents for a film’s content.
The ratings change suggestion marked the first time the system was altered since its implementation in November 1968. The first film to receive a PG-13 in ’84 from the organization was Garry Marshall’s The Flamingo Kid, but because it was not released until December, the first film to come out with the new rating was Red Dawn, released in August.
FAQs
Ideas to discuss with your children
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a fantasy adventure based on the Marvel comic books. It has a fast-paced plot and a lot of special effects, but it also has some violence. It's best suited to older teenage and adult audiences, particularly fans of the Marvel franchise.
Was Doctor Strange 2 supposed to be R rated? ›
Originally, Sam Raimi's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness had R-rated violence. Sources reveal Sam Raimi toned down the film. It's no surprise that Disney would keep it a PG-13. While Marvel Studios won't turn Deadpool 3 into PG-13 fare, that's different.
Why did Dr Strange get a third eye? ›
The Third Eye Represents The Wisdom Of Agamotto
In the comics, Doctor Strange's third eye is an organic manifestation of the Eye of Agamotto. It represents the wisdom of the sorcerer Agamotto and his fellow Vishanti, allowing Strange to see his enemies' true intentions and break magical illusions.
Why is Doctor Strange 2 Rated 14? ›
The BBFC's website goes into some specifics about aspects of the film that parents should be aware of, such as the inclusion of demonic beings, a reanimated corpse and jump scares, which could be frightening to children.
Is Doctor Strange 2 ok for a 10 year old? ›
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has a PG-13 rating in the US. According to the Motion Picture Association film rating system, a movie with a PG-13 rating means "some material may be inappropriate for children under 13... Parents are urged to be cautious."
Why is Doctor Strange Rated PG-13? ›
The newest Marvel movie, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” is exactly how MCU chief Kevin Feige described it — the franchise's “first horror film.” With “intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images and some language,” this movie was rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association.
Was Dr. Strange rated R? ›
MPAA. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images and some language.
Is Dr Strange 2 violent? ›
Expect jump scares, a resurrected dead body, violent deaths, graphic depictions of a decomposing body, and fatal fight scenes that decimate entire villages and have a high body count.
Is Dr Strange age appropriate? ›
Is Dr Strange 3rd eye evil? ›
In the film, the Strange with the third eye is actually an evil variant of Doctor Strange.
While the Scarlet Witch's return in Agatha: Darkhold Diaries remains speculative, other MCU projects offer avenues for Wanda Maximoff's resurgence. Vision Quest, the second spinoff from WandaVision, could reunite Wanda and Vision, providing another platform for Olsen's return.
Will there be a Doctor Strange 3? ›
Production. On August 14, 2023, it was reported that a third Doctor Strange film was in early development, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Charlize Theron reprising their roles as Doctor Strange and Clea, and that the film would adapt the Time Runs Out comic storyline. It serves as a precursor to Avengers 5.
How scary is Doctor Strange 2? ›
One sequence sees a bunch of doors slam shut before she crawls creepily through a reflective surface. It's all a bit sinister. Ultimately, whether or not the film is too scary depends on your youngsters. If they're okay with the likes of Goosebumps and Stranger Things, they should be fine with Doctor Strange 2.
Are there any bad scenes in Doctor Strange? ›
A character gets hit by magical powers. Someone gets their face ripped in half, brief and not graphic. A woman gets crushed by a pillar; only a part of her hand is shown. Two characters have a fistfight.
What gets a PG-13 rating? ›
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned, Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13. This rating is a stronger caution for parents that content included may not be appropriate for children under 13 (pre-teen ages). This may include stronger language, extended violence or sexual situations and drug-use.
