Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness is officially set up thanks to Loki, and we’re now under a year before its release on May 7, 2022. Doctor Strange has already proven to be an invaluable asset to the Avengers, and the Universe, as the Sorcerer Supreme.
Played by the immensely talented Benedict Cumberbatch, Doctor Stephen Strange debuted in September 2016 and has been a fan-favorite character ever since. He’s one of Marvel’s most formidable and powerful characters, who tends to clean up a lot more messes than he makes.
The textbook example of why not to text and drive has quite a disaster to clean up now thanks to his sorcerer counterparts Wanda, Loki, and Sylvie. So, let’s reminisce about better days from the past, for the days ahead are weary for the Doctor …
An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Entertained
We truly see the depth of Stephen Strange’s untapped potential when he first chooses to wield the Eye of Agamotto. Even most of the masters in Karmar-Taj cannot activate the Eye, something Strange appears to do with little to no effort. By using the Eye to influence a partially-eaten apple, Strange also introduces time travel into the MCU officially. Where would the Avengers be without time travel? We don’t think we need to say it.
“Dormammu, I’ve Come to Bargain”
Definitely one of Strange’s best moments and lines. It was hilarious and also impressive as Benedict Cumberbatch played both Doctor Strange and Dormammu. Up in the Nightmare Realm, Strange bargained for the Earth and won by annoying Dormammu into agreement. It doesn’t get much more epic than that. Plus, it had that heroic self-sacrificial moment all our heroes must find.
Everyone Needs a Good Textile Sidekick
And what better textile sidekick than Doctor Strange’s own Cloak of Levitation? Strange’s look comes together fully when the cloak is broken from its display case and immediately moves to aid him. The cloak throws punches, pulls Strange out of the way of danger, and above all allows the doctor to fly above his adversaries. We’re personally huge fans of how the cloak wraps itself around Lucien’s head and repeatedly slams his face into the ground.
That Slick Outfit Change
After Bruce Banner’s explosive arrival to the New York Sanction in Avengers: Infinity War, Strange’s sandwich run is stopped before it can even begin. While he runs back up the stairs to see what the hell just came crashing through his ceiling he magically changes out of his street clothes and into his fighting attire. Slick move, Doc.
The Hostest With Mostest
When Strange hosted Thor in Thor: Ragnarok, he had all he amenities Thor could ever want. Teleportation to remove the need to walk, bottomless beer, and an eternal falling prison loop to keep Thor’s pesky brother Loki out of trouble while the grown-ups talked.
A Master of the Mystic Arts
In Avengers: Infinity War, we got to see a lot more of Strange’s prowess in the Mystic Arts than we had before. Utilizing the Winds of Watoomb (against Ebony Maw in New York), Images of Ikonn (clones), the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak (magical ropes), the Bolts of Balthakk (the red bolts), the Mirror Dimension, the Sacred Sword Of Vishanti, the Ruby Rings Of Raggadorr , and Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth (the butterflies).
Doctor Strange has many skills, and we can’t wait to see just how many he needs to tap into to fix what has now been irreparably broken by Loki and Sylvie.
One Out of 14,000,605
The moment that changed it all. Tony Stark looked over to Doctor Strange (who was terribly underutilized in Avengers: Endgame‘s final battle) and realizes that his death is the only way they win. It was emotional, watching the realization dawn on Tony’s face as Strange finally had to tell him the truth. We could see the regret in Strange’s eye, and that’s largely due to the skill of the man playing him.
What makes it even better? This moment was an improv by Cumberbatch.
Welcome to the Multiverse
The answer to introducing parallel dimensions and alternate realities within the flow of time required a lot of thought, but was effectively represented through the work and vision through director Scott Derrickson. When the Ancient One chooses to send Strange on a trip throughout the Multiverse audiences get to experience the stunning visuals the Multiverse has to offer while also being introduced to this new, vast part of the MCU. Thanks to Loki season 1, we know this is only the tip of the vast Multiverse iceberg.
Check out all of Doctor Strange’s MCU appearances that are currently streaming on Disney+. Stay tuned for more information and coverage surrounding Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as it develops!
Co-Contributor: Hannah
