Summary:
- “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” cost $414.9 million, making it the most expensive MCU film.
- Adjusted for inflation, “Avengers: Age of Ultron’s” $250 million budget in 2015 equals $308 million today.
- Despite its high cost, “Multiverse of Madness” grossed $955.8 million, less than “Ultron’s” $1.4 billion.
Disney recently unveiled a surprising detail about “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” – its staggering price tag of $414.9 million. This hefty budget makes it one of the most expensive films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), surpassing even the team-up extravaganza “Avengers: Age of Ultron.
While “Multiverse of Madness” holds the title of costliest MCU film, it’s important to consider inflation when comparing it to “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” “Ultron” was released in 2015, and adjusting for inflation, its budget of $250 million would be roughly equivalent to $308 million in 2024 dollars. This means that “Multiverse of Madness” still holds the edge in terms of cost, but the gap narrows slightly when inflation is taken into account.
Despite its high production costs, “Multiverse of Madness” fell short of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” at the box office. The film grossed $955.8 million worldwide, a respectable sum but far from the $1.4 billion earned by “Ultron.” This raises questions about the profitability of “Multiverse of Madness.”
Unfortunately, the specific breakdown of the film’s budget remains unknown. However, some educated guesses can be made. The inclusion of multiple universes likely involved the creation of extensive CGI environments, which can be a major cost driver. Additionally, the film likely employed a large cast and crew, with the potential for high salaries for A-list actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen.
Filming locations can also significantly impact a movie‘s budget. “Multiverse of Madness” incorporated shoots at Longcross Studios in the UK, a popular destination for big-budget productions. Filming also took place on location at the historic British Museum and other scenic spots. These international locations undoubtedly added to the overall cost.
The high cost of “Multiverse of Madness” has sparked discussions about the financial sustainability of the MCU’s current trajectory. Moving forward, studios may need to re-evaluate their spending to ensure healthy profits alongside creative endeavors.