A New ‘Doctor Strange’ Photo Is Here For You To Nitpick And Dissect
I won’t even try to hide my excitement for Marvel Studios' upcomingDoctor Strange, which looks to take the Marvel Cinematic Universe down a refreshingly, uh,strangeleft turn. Dr. Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, Marvel’s master of mysticism, is one of my all-time favorite comic book characters and that fact that he’s getting a movie makes me giddy. Stupidly giddy.
The character’s cinematic look was initially unveiledon the cover of Entertainment Weekly, but we got a fresh look a few days ago when the film’s production moved to New York City and starBenedict Cumberbatchstopped by a comic book store in full costume. Now a new, official Doctor Strange photo has arrived, offering us another look what a retired surgeon turned master magician looks like.
This imagearrived without much fanfare(we first saw it over atComing Soon) and it’s hard to imagine anyone other than the most discerning Doctor Strange fan taking issue with it. Although the doctor’s classic duds have been filtered through the MCU aesthetic (look at all of those textures!), it’s still instantly and recognizable Stephen Strange, from the red cloak of levitation on his back to the Eye of Agamotto around his neck. Hell, it’s still refreshing to see the goatee and gray sideburns – the look is certainly complete. All we need to know now is whether or not cinematic Strange is, like his comic book counterpart, a bit of a stuck-up jerk. Fingers crossed, right?
However, the most important aspect of this photo is Cumberbatch’s hands. Seeing his fingers contorted into those classic Steve Ditko formations is enough to make a proper geek cheer out loud. Doctor Strange isn’t Doctor Strange unless he’s doing absolutely preposterous things with his hands to make the magic happen.
Doctor Strangewill be the second chapter in the MCU’s “Phase Three” afterCaptain America: Civil War.Scott Derrickson, the director ofSinisterandThe Exorcism of Emily Rose, is behind the camera. The absolutely preposterous supporting cast includes Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One,Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo, Michael Stuhlbarg as Nicodemus West, Benedict Wong as Wong, Rachel McAdams as the still-mysterious love interest, and Mads Mikkelsen as the villain, whose identity has yet to be revealed. But he was recently spotted on set.
Mads Mikkelsen’s#DoctorStrangecharacter is very strange and really should see a doctor:https://t.co/UssTvTaYeHpic.twitter.com/KYzijxkwei
— Vulture (@vulture)August 02, 2025
He’s certainly looks like he’s playing Nightmare, who was the first villain Doctor Strange battled in the pages ofStrange Tales#110. We’ll find out whenDoctor Strangehits theaters onNovember 4.
