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Entertainment • Film

Doctor Strange

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Doctor Strange is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, it is the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film follows neurosurgeon Stephen Strange as he learns mystic arts after a career-ending car accident.

Plot and premise

The film centres on Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon whose life changes after a car crash damages his hands. He seeks healing through mystic arts and becomes involved in defending the world from supernatural threats.

Production

Marvel Studios produced the film and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distributed it. Scott Derrickson directed the movie and co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill.

Release and reception

Doctor Strange premiered in Hong Kong on October 13, 2016, before its U.S. release on November 4, 2016. It received positive reviews, grossed $677.8 million worldwide, and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.

Role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The film is the 14th instalment of the MCU and a Phase Three release. It introduced Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange in the franchise, leading to later MCU appearances and a sequel released in 2022.

Key facts

  • Doctor Strange is a 2016 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character.
  • Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon turned sorcerer.
  • The film was directed by Scott Derrickson and is part of Phase Three of the MCU.
  • It grossed $677.8 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.
  • A sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, was released in 2022.
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Canadian context

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]

Frequently asked 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.
Who stars as Doctor Strange?
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Stephen Strange, also known as Doctor Strange.
Is Doctor Strange part of the MCU?
Yes. It is the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and part of Phase Three.
How much did Doctor Strange earn worldwide?
The film grossed $677.8 million worldwide.
Did Doctor Strange have a sequel?
Yes. A sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, was released in 2022.

References

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