The audience will be introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's magical side when "Doctor Strange" bows in theaters next month. The film will be a fresh experience for casual moviegoers given how viewers are mostly unacquainted to its central characters.
Much has been said about Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) in news reports about "Doctor Strange." There's also Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams).
Marvel comic book enthusiasts know McAdams' character as the third Night Nurse, so it's natural for them to expect that Christine's alter ego would be introduced in "Doctor Strange." Marvel executive Kevin Feige, however, confirmed that Christine's evolution into the Night Nurse will not appear in the upcoming movie.
"I will say that that story line does not play into the movie," Feige told Entertainment Weekly about the absence of the Night Nurse in "Doctor Strange." However, he also didn't rule out the possibility of her popping up in future Marvel films, adding that it's "just as much fun for us as it is for the fans to speculate about that."
Aside from Stephen's magical and mystical quest, "Doctor Strange" will also focus on his romance with Christine. In a character featurette (which can be watched at the end of this report), it appears that Stephen's tragic accident and losing control of his hands will complicate his relationship with Christine. However, it also looks like Stephen fully assuming the heroic role as Sorcerer Supreme will mend his frayed bond with Christine and will strengthen their relationship, according to Cinema Blend.
Early reviews for "Doctor Strange" have been positive. Adam Frank, an astrophysicist, described the film as "mind-blowingly good."
ComicBook.com's Lucas Siegel, meanwhile, called "Doctor Strange" as "mind-bendingly awesome" after attending a 15-minute 3D IMAX preview of the movie. In past Marvel flicks, Siegel said that viewers saw magic and spells thanks to Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and some Asgardians, but those are nothing compared to what "Doctor Strange" has to offer.
"The overall feeling of this movie, based on the footage we saw last night, is brand-new. The magic was brand-new, the action was brand-new, the tone of spirituality and mysticism was brand-new," Siegel said, as quoted in ComicBook.com's report.
"Doctor Strange" is slated for a Nov. 4 release date in U.S. theaters. Watch the "Doctor Strange" character featurette below and the film's trailer here. Mads Mikkelsen also stars as the villain Kaecilius and Benedict Wong as Wong.
