How ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Looks Without Visual Effects: Photos

13 photos that show how ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ looks without visual effects

Whenever you see Doctor Strange soaring through the skies of New York City or Kamar-Taj, that’s not all movie magic.Benedict Cumberbatch really did “fly.” Marvel StudiosBenedict Cumberbatch was flying through the air on wires a lot of the time.Benedict Cumberbatch is seen on the set of “Doctor Strange 2.” Marvel StudiosAdvertisementDoctor Strange really did go over a balcony in this scene.Benedict Cumberbatch dives over a balcony in “Doctor Strange 2.” Marvel StudiosHe just wasn’t dropping down as far as the film made you believe.The dive over the balcony was real with a safe fall below. Marvel StudiosAdvertisementSmall fake blossoms were tied to trees in order to make them look like authentic apple blossoms.According to Disney+’s “Assembled: The Making of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” Marvel wasn’t able to shoot in an orchard with apple blossoms because of the pandemic. Marvel StudiosWhen Wanda lifts her spell to show their surroundings are decaying, there’s a blue screen behind the duo.Two different areas were used to film the scene where Wanda and Doctor Strange first meet. Marvel StudiosAdvertisementWhen Wanda was floating with the Darkhold, she had a little bit of help to stay elevated.Movie magic helped Wanda look like she was floating. Marvel StudiosElizabeth Olsen was seated while she was spell casting.Elizabeth Olsen levitated with the help of a special seat. Marvel StudiosAdvertisementWanda became momentarily trapped in an enchanted room in Kamar-Taj.Elizabeth Olsen in “Doctor Strange 2.” Marvel StudiosOlsen was actually surrounded by green screens, getting moved around on a giant platform.Elizabeth Olsen, behind the scenes, in “Doctor Strange 2.” Marvel StudiosAdvertisementWong helped fortify Kamar-Taj to prepare for the Scarlet Witch’s imminent arrival.Scarlet Witch pays a visit to Kamar-Taj in “Doctor Strange 2.” Marvel StudiosA lot of the Kamar-Taj set was tangible for the actors so they could destroy sections of it.According to the “Assembled” episode, the Kamar-Taj scenes were shot on three different stages. Marvel StudiosAdvertisementYou may have thought all of the Scarlet Witch’s magic was purely special effects, but that wasn’t the case.Elizabeth Olsen in “Doctor Strange 2.” Marvel StudiosOlsen wore little lights on her hands in order to guide where beams should come out.Elizabeth Olsen was often held up by wires on set as well. Marvel StudiosAdvertisementCaptain Marvel was the only member of the Illuminati to almost overpower the Scarlet Witch.Captain Marvel and the Scarlet Witch face off. Marvel StudiosLashana Lynch was really held up high above Olsen to bring the fight to life.Here’s how that Captain Marvel and Scarlet Witch fight really looked.