We’re now just about three months away from the release of Marvel Studios’ second film of 2016, and Disney has unveiled a slew of new high-resolution Doctor Strange images to further flame fan anticipation. The film certainly has a challenge in following up the epic Captain America: Civil War, but from what we’ve seen thus far—including these new images—it’s clear that Doctor Strange is attempting to offer something different to fans of the MCU. Namely, things are about to get really trippy.
Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose helmer Scott Derrickson directs and co-writes this particular comics adaptation, which follows the exploits of legendary neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), who loses the use of his hands in a horrific car accident. This loss of his livelihood leads Strange on a quest to find healing, where he eventually encounters the mysterious Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who is readying for battle against dark forces bent on upsetting our reality. Indeed, Doctor Strange introduces the concepts of alternate dimensions and such, and as Strange becomes a student of the Ancient One’s teachings, he gains the powers necessary to do battle against…well we don’t know what exactly.
These new images not only show Cumberbatch wielding his magic (with the help of the Eye of Agamotto of course), but also give us a close look at Mads Mikkelsen’s villain. The Hannibal actor is playing a character named Kaecilius, a somewhat obscure baddie from the comics who breaks off from the teachings of the Ancient One to do villain things.
I’m mighty interested to see how Doctor Strange differs from the rest of the MCU visually. Derrickson worked with cinematographer Ben Davis, who shot Kick-Ass but is also well versed in the Marvel language having served as the DP for Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Age of Ultron. With Doctor Strange, there’s every opportunity to get really weird with it, so here’s hoping they shake things up.
Take a look at the various new images below, via Marvel, and click on any for high-resolution. The film also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Benjamin Bratt. Doctor Strange opens in theaters on November 4th.
Here's the official synopsis for Doctor Strange:
From Marvel comes “Doctor Strange,” the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence. Join Strange on his dangerous, mystifying, and totally mind-bending journey when Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016.
