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TRAILER: Doctor Strange (SDCC)

Among the slew of trailer goodies released during San Diego Comic Con came a new trailer for Scott Derrikson’s Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the title role. While this film has had a rocky start in regards to certain casting choices made, the second trailer makes a valiant effort to redeem itself.

Like the first trailer, this trailer reiterates the fact that we are indeed getting a Doctor Strange origin story. And, for the most part, it seems as though the film will be faithful to the more well known origin story which depicts Stephen Strange as a neurosurgeon who loses his career after suffering hand injuries in a car accident.

It’s important to note that the film appears to follow a faithful origin story because it appears as though the film will be taking several liberties in other ways. The most prominent being Baron Mordo’s role and his relationship to Stephen Strange. In the comics, Baron Mordo is often portrayed as being Doctor Strange’s arch rival as well as a major antagonist. With jealousy consuming him, Baron Mordo attempts to kill the Ancient One simply because he is not the chosen to become Sorcerer Supreme. Meanwhile, none of this appears to be occurring in the trailer. Based on the small snippets we are given, it seems as though Mordo will be a rival for Doctor Strange as he grows into his destined role; however, once the main villain appears, the two will become allies that respect one another in order to protect the greater good.

In fact, the trailer gives the impression that it is Mordo who will ultimately convince Doctor Strange to take on the villain and become the Sorcerer Supreme.

One disappointment from this trailer is we don’t get a strong sense as to what the villain’s primary goal is. The only clue the trailer actually provides is the fact the villain was once a powerful sorcerer that has fallen. Considering the small bits and pieces of information that have been floating around regarding his motivation, this is slightly disappointing. While it does seem like his motivation may fall in line with Dormammu, the character changes that are already occurring make it seem as though his motivation may not follow just one villain specifically from the comics.

A question that has been seeping into the minds of many is whether or not Doctor Strange will feature an Infinity Stone. Considering this is an origin story, it makes sense to plant the seed of an Infinity Stone in this movie. There are only two stones left: the Soul Stone and the Time Stone. If the trailers are any indication, this film is definitely going to have some very trippy sequences. Doctor Strange is also known for having many gadgets that could easily serve a double purpose and be one of the Infinity Stones. Many find it extremely likely that The Eye of Agamotto will be one of the Infinity Stones. Unfortunately, there really isn’t anything in the trailer to support this theory but it’s not likely Marvel would be willing to reveal this information anyway.

What were your thoughts on the Doctor Strange  trailer? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter!

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Jillian Diblasio