Just how important is Dr Strange to the MCU?

Magic. Say it with me, magic! Magic is a word we all know, some of us love it, some of us hate it (I don’t get along with those people), some of us think of it as something in stories and fairytales.

For those of us who read comics, magic takes on a whole new form. As those who wield magic are in a class unto themselves. Not bound by the earthly or universal “laws” that govern us, magic users are able to do a LOT in comics, for better or for worse. Yet, for all the success that’s been had in comic book movies, magic is something that hasn’t been touched on very much.

Yes, I know that Thor technically is magic, especially in the case of Loki who was literally defined as a ‘master of magic’. But in reality, his magic is all about illusions, because he’s a trickster. Thor’s magic is rooted in the power of his hammer, and he himself said that Asgard and the nine realms are a place “where magic and science are the same”, so in some ways it’s not magic at all.

Many have wondered when magic would arrive in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, thankfully, we got our answer recently with the confirmation of Dr. Strange being made, with Benedict Cumberbatch cast as Dr. Stephen Strange.

Now some may be wondering, “So what? We have a sorcerer, what’s the big deal?” Well, as I said, magic users bring with them an entire realm of possibilities with them as they enter the scene. Let’s just focus on Dr. Strange here, he’s the Sorcerer Supreme, what does that mean? That means he’s blessed with the power that makes him superior to basically ALL magic users, including being able to wield the Eye of Agamotto, among other magical items.

So what does that all mean? That means that we can meet A LOT of magic users from the Marvel Universe. And not just the obvious ones like Baron Mordo who is Strange’s arch-nemesis.

Characters like Brother Voodoo, Satana, Anthony Druid, Kaluu, Morgan Le Fey, and more are now on the ‘possible’ list! Having Dr. Strange in the MCU, and hopefully having him join the Avengers one day, will open up the gates to almost infinite possibilities, including a bad guy who can step up once Thanos is taken care of.

Dormammu.

Aside from Baron Mordo, Dormammu is the foe most associated with Dr. Strange. And Strange has noted on several occasions just how powerful Dormammu is. Don’t let that limit your vision of how menacing Dormammu is though, he’s messed with the Avengers, the X-Men, and more in his time, which is roughly 60+ years in comics history. He’s been everywhere, and he’s never stopped wanting to try and take over the universe.

So why does he make a good replacement for Thanos? Well, he is roughly as powerful as Thanos, depending on how you see things. A big difference though, is that Dormammu is pure magic, he is literally composed of magical energies. This allows him to use his powers nearly in any way he wishes. He can create things, summon beings, project his power into everyday object to allow minions to wield his power, it’s almost endless.

The other fun part is that Dormammu is from another dimension, which will add a lovely set piece should the Avengers need to go there…and they WILL need to go there.

The Marvel Universe is ripe with magic, they just haven’t been able to touch it yet. But now, with Dr. Strange about to join the ranks in Phase 3, the floodgates of magic can open! Heroes, villains, and everything in between that have magical abilities will be able to join the fray with batting an eye. Dr. Strange has been a part of numerous Avengers teams, and is right now a huge part of the Marvel universe, his involvement in the MCU has the potential to shake the landscape like never before.

So now is the time to get steeped in the lore of Dr Strange… there’s an abundance of comics and games out there to get caught up because we have a feeling that by the time Strange arrives the Marvel landscape will be changed and you’re going to want to be caught up.

The pieces are all in place, let’s see if Marvel can work its… magic.