There is no doubt about it; the Marvel brand has experienced something of a major makeover during the course of the last few years. Perhaps the greatest embodiment of this is the integration of greater diversity into the brand’s range of characters, including the unveiling of Marvel’s first ever female Thor and the development of Kamala Khan as the new Ms. Marvel. Khan is the first Muslim character to headline her own comic book, and her starring role marks a new chapter in the evolution of the Marvel universe.
This new ethos and diverse outlook is beginning to influence all Marvel characters and titles (across both literature and the silver screen), with the new Doctor Strange film the latest off the conveyor belt. Not a huge amount is known for sure about the upcoming Hollywood release, although British actor Benedict Cumberbatch was recently confirmed in the role of Doctor Stephen Strange. He is the latest big-name star to join the superhero franchise, with media outlets having recently captured him with a full beard and in the iconic costume while on location in Nepal.
The recent reports have also leaked another interesting aspect of the story, as while the majority of filming is likely to take place at Pinewood Studios in London some scenes are to be captured on location in Asia. This has certainly whetted the appetite of fans, who are keen to see more after seeing the initial snaps of the film’s lead in print and online. The images also mark quite a departure for the usually clean-cut and measured star Benedict, whose unkempt hair and bushy beard have been grown to capture the essence of Doctor Strange.
If the initial shots and our knowledge of the cast are anything to go by, the new Doctor Strange film is likely to represent a spectacular Hollywood hit. As one of Marvel’s most revered and enduring popular franchises, Doctor Strange has already featured on a range of Marvel merchandise including t-shirts, action figures and free casino games, and is now set to become a true legend of Hollywood. He will then join the ranks of other, more heralded Marvel characters that have already made their mark on the silver screen and broken down the boundaries of popular culture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=qXJL6jGfZhg
Originally published November 20, 2015. Updated November 12, 2018.
