Marvel Studios’ latest project, “Doctor Strange,” has the potential to be one of the best films released this season. The trailers and other forms of promotional advertising have been both mesmerizing and innovative. From Facebook posts turning into portals to billboards that look they’re a collapsing building, we have been given a taste of what we can expect from the world of “Doctor Strange.”
Like all others, the movie is based on the comic book series of the same name. Former neurosurgeon, Stephen Strange, goes on a journey to find healing after a car accident, but along the way he discovers a new side of the world and becomes a master of the mystic arts.
The film is directed by Scott Derrickson, known for his work on 2012’s horror movie hit, “Sinister”. The screenplay was also written by Scott Derrickson and the extremely talented Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill.
This is Marvel Studios' last big movie release of 2016! We won’t get another MCU release until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in May, 2017. So, you can rest assured that Marvel Studios wants to finish 2016 with a bang.
Who is Doctor Strange?
Benedict Cumberbatch and others join the MCU.
Marvel almost never gets its casting wrong. Sure, people have their complaints, but things usually end up working out for the best. So, who did Marvel cast to bring us the wonderful mystical world of “Doctor Strange”?
Benedict Cumberbatch
Academy award nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch is Marvel’s Doctor Strange. He is known for his roles in films like 2014’s “The Imitation Game” and 2013’s “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Cumberbatch seemed to be a good choice, given his resume. He looks fabulous in his Doctor Strange costume and fans seem to like the design based on the look of the comic book character.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor is introducing the character of Mordo into the MCU. Just like Doctor Strange, Mordo is a student of the Ancient one. Based on the trailers, Mordo seems to be a good guy or perhaps the friend/ sidekick of Strange. Ejiofor is best known for his role as Solomon Northup in the 2013 Academy award winning picture, “12 Years a Slave,” so it will be refreshing to see him star in a film with a more upbeat tone.
Tilda Swinton
Another Oscar winner, Tilda Swinton was cast as The Ancient One. Swinton is immensely talented, but some people disagreed with her playing a character that was originally male and Asian. According to Variety.com, writer Jon Spaiths suggest that Doctor Strange is pretty male dominated and that the casting of Tilda Swinton was an opportunity to have gender diversity in film.
Despite the controversy, the film seems to be getting some good reviews from fans so far. Twitter blew up with positive feedback after it’s red carpet premiere.
“It’s very rare that I walk out of a cinema with nothing bad to say about the film inside. Bravo @MarvelStudios, bravo. #doctorstange” - @kid_Desmio on Twitter
“#DoctorStrange damn mind blowing and spectacular visuals with an clever & witty script. Marvel have done it again.” - @ZehraPhelan on Twitter
Marvel's Cinematic Universe
How will Doctor Strange Fit in?
Infinity Stones! Every Marvel Fan is awaiting the “Avengers Infinity Wars: Part One” to be released into theaters. We are all excited for the day that Thanos finally gets his hands on all the infinity stones. So far, the MCU has introduced three infinity Stones: The Mind Stone from “The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” The Reality Stone from “Thor: The Dark World,” and The Power Stone from “Guardians of The Galaxy.” Rumor has it that Doctor Strange’s Eye of Agamotto, a green glowing gem that he wears around his neck, is actually the Time Stone in disguise. This would mean that Doctor Strange could possibly appear again in Marvel Studios’ “Infinity Wars: Part One” along side Iron Man, Thor, The Guardians of The Galaxy, Captain America, and other MCU heroes.Expand your minds people! “Doctor Strange” opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, November 4th.