Marvel Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Doctor Strange, the upcoming film that casts Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch as the “Sorcerer Supreme” of the Marvel Comics universe. The film is expected to throw the door wide open on the magical and occult side of Marvel’s cinematic universe, which has only been hinted at in films like Thor and Avengers: Age of Ultron, and the Daredevil series on Netflix.
The trailer puts the spotlight on Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon who finds himself immersed in the world of magic while searching for a way to repair his damaged hands after a near-fatal accident, but also features a few members of the supporting cast quite prominently.
Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton, We Need to Talk About Kevin) is seen sparring — both physically and mentally — with Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange in the trailer while portraying The Ancient One, the enigmatic figure who mentors Stephen during his magical awakening. There’s also a glimpse of Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) in his role as Baron Mordo, and Hannibal star Mads Mikkelson in a still-unknown role that’s rumored to be the villain of the film.
The film’s cast also includes Benedict Wong (The Martian) as Stephen Strange’s assistant, as well as Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams (Spotlight, Mean Girls), Michael Stuhlbarg (Pawn Sacrifice), Scott Adkins (The Bourne Ultimatum), and Amy Landecker (Transparent) in unidentified roles.
With Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose filmmaker Scott Derrickson directing Doctor Strange from a script by Prometheus screenwriter Jon Spaihts, the film promises to be one of the darkest installments of Marvel’s cinematic universe so far.
Doctor Strange hits theaters November 4.
