Marvel gets trippy in first 'Doctor Strange' trailer

Posted Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 5:06 PM Central

by John Couture

While Captain America: Civil War continues to rack up rave reviews ahead of its theatrical debut next month, the Marvel film that intrigues me the most is one coming out a little bit later this year. Phase three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) promises to be more mystical in nature and it doesn't get much more mystical than Doctor Strange.

The story of a neurosurgeon who discovers a world of magic and alternate dimensions following an accident, Doctor Strange looks more like the sequel to Inception than the next hit film in the MCU. And you know what? I'm more than OK with that.

To be honest, the MCU needs to push the envelope and introduce new characters and more exotic storylines or it risks becoming repetitive and irrelevant. If there's one thing that Marvel prides itself on when it comes to the MCU, it's the desire to take a risk and Doctor Strange is definitely risky. Of course, their risks usually pay off, just look at the success of Guardians of the Galaxy from a few years back. And it's not like Marvel isn't hedging their bet.

By casting international phenom Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role, they are hoping that his stardom can attract an even bigger crowd than just the regular old Marvel fans. And let's face it, the "regular old Marvel crowd" is a pretty big beast in its own right. Doctor Strange hits the big screen on November 4.