Each Marvel film has had a distinct function in the studio's shared cinematic universe. For example, "Thor" introduced fans to Asgard and, similar to "Guardians of the Galaxy," many of the cosmic elements of the MCU. This Friday's "Ant-Man" will explain the Microverse to fans and the "Avengers" series is meant as the ultimate team up that can branch out into any which way. So where in all this does 2016's "Doctor Strange" fit?
Speaking with Screen Crush (and confirming her role as The Ancient One), Tilda Swinton revealed that this new film will have a unique feel to it in comparison to other Marvel movies. That's probably because it will be the first MCU film to explore magic and mystical/spiritual realms.
"I'm a Marvel fan and I think this particular world that Doctor Strange goes into is really, really, really exciting," Swinton said. "I'm really interested as both an actor and a fan to see what's done in this particular world. It's all about creativity. It's not about everything exploding at the end. It's about something very different."
Marvel is remaining tight lipped on the plot of "Doctor Strange," but fans should expect a visibly different type of superhero film. The brief story summary that was provided when the film was announced last year promised that it would explore the "hidden world of magic," which includes alternate dimensions such as the Astral Plane seen in the comics.
Benedict Cumberbatch's Sorcerer Supreme will surely be fending off villainous foes, but not in the manner of our other MCU heroes. There will be no Hulk smash or armored battle suit. Instead, Strange employs his mystical abilities as his weapons of choice.
How will that come across on screen and how well it will differentiate itself from other Marvel movies is yet to be seen. But we'd be lying if we didn't say we aren't excited to find out.
