Now this should be fun! Benedict Cumberbatch stars in what’s being promoted as the most “mystical, magical Marvel movie ever.”
Dr. Strange was one of the lesser-known of the Marvel comics heroes, but as a kid, I bought many Strange Tales, which featured the “master of the mystic arts.” The character blended the superhero genre with Western and Eastern mysticism. Through high school and college, I found Dr. Strange as fascinating and surprising as Carlos Castaneda’s Don Juan, and maybe a little more accessible.
The spells Strange cast opened doors to alternate universes whirling with unknown worlds, mind-bending vistas, non-Euclidean structures, and beings that looked like they’d sprung from Picasso’s nightmares. And like James Bond, the good doctor often duked it out at Euclidean, but exotic venues. Stonehenge was the site of one spell-casting shoot out with an evil sorcerer. Loved it! No doubt many Boomers intrigued by the psychedelia that energized the worlds of Dr. Strange can’t wait for a nostalgic return. I know I can’t.
And no matter what other characters he plays, none will have a name as cool as “Benedict Cumberbatch.”
M.C. Tuggle, Writer 
I am right there with you all the way. Dr. Strange has always been one of my favorites. The only problem with a film about him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is that he is SO POWERFUL his enemies will have to be able to basically wipe the floor with the Avengers–I mean he’s the Sorcerer Supreme for God’s sake! He defends our plain of existence from demons who could turn Captain America’s much vaunted courage into moldy pumpkin pie. I wonder how the viewing audience on the whole will be able to handle that….
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True! In the movie, Strange must confront one of the Ancient One’s disciples who turns against the order. Shades of Gandalf vs. Saruman!
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I haven’t bothered with most of the Marvel spin-off movies, but I read Dr Strange as a kid.. and Castenada later on… I’ll look forward to this one.
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Sue,
Of the Marvel movie, three were pretty good: the 2002 Spiderman, X-Men United (the third, The Last Stand, stunk!), and Guardians of the Galaxy.
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I’ll have to have a look at some point. I used to love the original comics.
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I don’t know what kind of character Doctor Strange is, but Cumberbatch seems to excel at playing slightly deranged, brilliant characters a la Sherlock and Hamlet…
Best wishes, Matt
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I agree BC injects manic force into his characterizations, and that’s what makes him so fascinating. His interpretation of Dr. Strange should be interesting.
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Agreed! Very cool casting.
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