Dr. Strange is one of Marvel’s most unique “popular” characters, so it makes sense for Kevin Feige and Joss Whedon to implement him in Marvel’s Phase 3. However, as currently constructed, the MCCU might be setting a Dr. Strange movie up to fail. Thor, Thor 2 and The Avengers suggested that the otherworldly “magic” that people like Thor and Loki possess is simply an advanced form of science. This makes sense because moviegoers often like for films to be somewhat grounded in reality. This presents a dilemma because Dr. Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme, which means he is a master of magic, not advanced science.
Also, as popular as Dr. Strange is, he cannot compete with the popularity of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk or Captain America. Dr. Strange is probably more complex than all of the characters previously stated, but within this Avengers-focused franchise he would most likely be overshadowed or misused. I have heard some argue that the introduction of Dr. Strange could lead to an introduction to The Illuminati. Although this would be really cool to see on the big screen Marvel doesn’t own the rights to Mr. Fantastic, Professor X or Namor, so there would have to be a major roster overhaul to create this movie.
I have also heard some argue that Dr. Strange could introduce a Midnight Sons franchise that would be able to implement a darker tone and they could fight magic based super villains like Dracula, Dormamu and Mephisto. This makes more sense to me because Marvel Studios owns the cinematic rights to a lot of characters who would be too dark or too magically based to fit within the current cinematic universe (Blade, The Punisher, Moonknight, Ghost Rider, Werewolf by Night etc.) and a Midnight Sons franchise could create an avenue to implement these characters without creating a whole separate world for them.
I really want to see a Dr. Strange movie come to theaters, but what I do not want to see is a mishandled Dr. Strange movie. I am sure that Marvel and Disney has brilliant minds working on a way to make it work, but I am still worried.
Your Thoughts?
About The Author:
Just another black comic book nerd