The release of "Doctor Strange" meant the introduction of the newest member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Ensemble--Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), who came into the fold with a huge bang.
His entry has also paved the way for audiences all over the world to be familiarized with a whole new trajectory--a multiverse filled with tons of magic and mystery, which has made an impact in the MCU going forward to the next big film project. And this project is "The Avengers 3: Infinity War."
It remains to be seen whether the MCU multiverse introduced in "Doctor Strange" would automatically pave the way for a connection with the next "Avengers" film, especially since it will likely focus more on adapting certain elements in the "Infinity" comic books. However, a sequence from "Doctor Strange" might be a clue of the said connection.
As reported by Movie Plot, "Doctor Strange" himself takes part in a training session with Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), wherein the latter wields his own personal relic, which he refers to as "The Staff of the Living Tribunal."
Relics, in the MCU, are instilled with a magical power that can be used by sorcerers to channel energy through it. The Living Tribunal, on the other hand, is an actual being that exists in the universe. The Tribunal is ageless and is a humanoid cosmic entity who serves as a guardian in the gateways.
Initially pegged as a confidant of Strange, Mordo was set up as an antagonist for future Marvel films during a post-credits scene of the movie, during which he steals Jonathan Pangborn's (Benjamin Bratt) magic to use it as a misapplication of the natural order.
The release of "The Avengers 3: Infinity War" is still two years away, and Cumberbatch has been confirmed to be part of the film. But fans shouldn't expect him to see the Sorcerer Supreme be the all-powerful entity they will expect him to be.
Marvel President Kevin Fiege had warned that "Doctor Strange" will not be as powerful as he thinks he is, and that "Infinity War" will serve as more of a learning curve for him as he faces off with various entities all throughout, according to Cinemablend.
"The Avengers 3: Infinity War" will be released on May 4, 2018, while "Doctor Strange" will be out in cinemas on Nov. 4, 2016.
