Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, premiered in Hollywood on Tuesday, and the embargo on sharing reactions on social media has been lifted. Several critics took to Twitter to express their initial thoughts on the film, which is the first in Marvel’s 2022 film slate.

The film follows the events of last year’s Spider-Man: No Way Home and stars Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch. Following the return of the previous two Spider-Men, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, fans have been eagerly anticipating what Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has in store. For a long time, rumours have circulated that the film will feature multiple versions of beloved Marvel characters, each played by a different but equally well-known Hollywood actor. Almost all of the critics who responded praised the film for its mind-bending theme, despite the fact that they did not reveal if Tom Cruise does indeed appear as Iron Man.

“#Doctorstrange in the #MultiverseOfMadness is a FULL-ON SPECTACLE,” AJ of The Movie Podcast wrote on Twitter. Sam Raimi creates a visual experience unlike any other by weaving an enthralling story. Elizabeth Olsen delivers a powerful performance that is truly horrifying #ScarletWitch.” Benedict elevates Strange to a new level & Elizabeth Olsen delivers a powerful performance that is truly horrifying #ScarletWitch.”

“#DoctorStrange in the #MultiverseOfMadness is a FEVER DREAM that only Sam Raimi could tell,” Shahbaz of the same podcast wrote. The performances by Cumberbatch and Olsen, as well as the KALEIDOSCOPIC visuals on screen, are described as TWISTED, STUNNING, and MESMERIZING. Xochitl Gomez will be a big hit with the audience.”

“Ultimately wasn’t a big fan of #DoctorStrange in the #MultiverseOfMadness, but one thing’s for sure: it’s a stylistic buffet,” said film critic Josie Marie. It started out rather tamely, but as the story progressed, it became increasingly bizarre. It had a few laughs, entertaining visuals, and a fun score.”

“By far the creepiest, gnarliest, zaniest, most haunting and terrifying Marvel film, #MultiverseOfMadness definitely brings the Sam Raimi horror vibes, and I loved that about it,” Fandango’s Erik Davis wrote. The music by Danny Elfman is a perfect match for the film’s strange, mysterious tone, and Elizabeth Olsen is, in my opinion, MVP.”

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is slated to be released on May 6. The sequel follows Doctor Strange as he tries to contain the aftermath of a multiverse-fracturing spell. The film is directed by Sam Raimi and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character.