A critical casting choice changed the fate of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe.
In the complex Marvel Universe, every casting decision is critical, but few were as decisive as the choice of Benedict Cumberbatch to play Doctor Strange. Gone are the days when the Kevin Feige-led Marvel Studios debated between Cumberbatch and Joaquin Phoenix over the role of the magician. The story of how Cumberbatch became one of the pillars of the MCU is a tale of danger, insight and strategy.
A day change with great implications
In the year Originally scheduled for a summer 2016 release, Doctor Strange’s theatrical release has been pushed back to the fall. This decision was not easy: it meant sacrificing the most profitable launch window of the year. Director Scott Derrickson, convinced that Cumberbatch was the only wizard capable of bringing Super to life, convinced Fez to negotiate with Disney’s upper echelons. Bob Iger and Alan Horn agreed, marking the before and after in the studio’s release chronology.
The outcome of this bet was revolutionary. Cumberbatch has not only played Stephen Strange, but has also been a central figure in the MCU in major events such as ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. While Doctor Strange could have grossed more if it had been released in the summer, the delayed release allowed the film to have less competition and more attention in the fall.
The Legacy of Doctor Strange
With a total of $677.8 million, ‘Doctor Strange’ not only exceeded expectations, but also established itself in the history of superhero cinema. Although it hasn’t reached the impressive numbers of ‘Black Panther’ or ‘Captain Marvel’, it has placed itself above the likes of ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Thor’. Its sequel, ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’, grossed more than a billion dollars.
Cumberbatch’s journey as Strange is defined by his commitment to character and his ability to appeal to the masses. On the other hand, Phoenix, who eventually turned down the role as he refused to commit to a long-term commitment to the cinematic universe, opted for a series of projects like ‘Joker’. This reflects not only the different directions actors choose to take, but the lasting impact on the viability and success of film franchises.
More than a witch
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is not only revealed in the MCU stages with his incredible magical powers, but also how it has affected the perception of heroes in popular culture. His performance established a new canon for characters of this caliber, with a unique sense of mystery and humanity that resonated deeply with fans. This emotional depth contrasts sharply with other characters in the MCU, giving new complexity to Marvel’s already complex narratives.
Comparing Doctor Strange to characters like Tony Stark or Steve Rogers, there is an evolution in the way Marvel approaches its main characters. Cumberbatch brought a unique strength and depth that allowed him to explore dark and complex themes within the framework of superhero films. This approach has helped keep the MCU fresh and relevant, as well as fueling future character and plot developments within the franchise.
A confirmed view
Today, Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is almost unimaginable outside the fabric of the MCU. Derrickson’s decision, supported by Feige, Iger and Horne, was not only wise, but prophetic. Through his many appearances and central roles, Cumberbatch has redefined what it means to be a hero in Marvel’s vast multiverse, proving that a few bets, no matter how dangerous, can determine the fate of an entire universe.