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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Screen & Stage • Film

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Doctor Strange is a 2016 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character. It is the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and follows a neurosurgeon who becomes a sorcerer.

What it is

The film centres on Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon whose career-ending car accident drives him to seek healing through mystic arts. He becomes a sorcerer and defends the world from supernatural threats.

Why it matters

Doctor Strange is a key Phase Three entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introducing Benedict Cumberbatch as the character. It set up his role in later MCU films and spawned a 2022 sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Key details

Scott Derrickson directed the film, which premiered in Hong Kong on October 13, 2016, and released in the U.S. on November 4. It grossed $677.8 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.

In short

  • Based on Marvel Comics’ Doctor Strange character.
  • Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Stephen Strange.
  • Part of MCU Phase Three.
  • Grossed $677.8 million worldwide and nominated for Best Visual Effects.
Canadian angle

The film was released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and was widely distributed in Canada as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has a major audience in Canadian theatres.[1]

Quick questions

What is Doctor Strange?
Doctor Strange is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Stephen Strange.
Who directed Doctor Strange?
Scott Derrickson directed the film.
Is Doctor Strange part of the MCU?
Yes. It is the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and part of Phase Three.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Strange_(2016_film)
    Supports: Film identity, director, cast, MCU placement, release dates, box office, awards, and sequel.
  2. Marvel Studioshttps://www.marvel.com/movies/doctor-strange
    Supports: Official premise describing Stephen Strange, his car accident, and his move into mystic arts.
  3. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Strange_(film)
    Supports: Disambiguation confirming Doctor Strange as a Marvel Comics superhero.