Top 10 Incredible Facts You Didn't Know About Doctor Strange

#10: Into ‘Shamballa’

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In the official trailer, Karl Mordo gives Stephen Strange a note that reads, “Shamballa.” Mordo explains that this is the Wi-Fi password, but it’s also a clever inside joke that die-hard Marvel fans will recognize. According to Buddhist and Hindu legends, Shamballa is a secret mystical kingdom. Being a hidden community, Shamballa has a fair deal in common with Kamar-Taj where Doctor Strange encounters the Ancient One. It’s additionally a reference to the 1986 graphic novel, “Into Shamballa,” which follows Strange on a quest to usher in a new golden age for humanity.

When Benedict Cumberbatch landed the role of Khan in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” he committed to a strict diet and exercise regime. The almost 40-year-old actor went through a similar fitness routine to transform himself into the Sorcerer Supreme; a role that requires both brain and brawn. Enlisting a personal trainer, Cumberbatch significantly bulked up for the part. Doubling his caloric intake, he almost exclusively ate broccoli, potatoes, and chicken, as well as protein shakes. According to Marvel president Kevin Feige, this was the most demanding regime an actor has ever gone through for the studio. It just goes to show that nobody becomes a Marvel superhero overnight… unless you’re the Incredible Hulk.

If you haven’t noticed already, Benedict Cumberbatch is currently one of the busiest actors in show business, starring in numerous high-profile films, TV shows, and plays. Given his increasing popularity, it isn’t surprising that Marvel had been eyeing Cumberbatch for Doctor Strange from the get-go. He initially turned down the role, however, due to scheduling conflicts. Cumberbatch was committed to starring in a theatrical rendition of “Hamlet” in London, which coincided with the shooting date for “Doctor Strange.” Marvel also approached Joaquin Phoenix about the part, although he was unwilling to sign up for a multi-film deal. In the end, Marvel decided to work around Cumberbatch’s jam-packed schedule, moving the film’s release date from July 2016 to November 2016.

Considering his knack for playing badass geniuses, Benedict Cumberbatch was a natural choice to play Stephen Strange. In another lifetime, though, the late Vincent Price likely would’ve been the ideal candidate. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, who created Doctor Strange, modeled the character’s appearance after the iconic Hollywood actor. Doctor Strange made his comic book debut in 1963, which was the same year Price played a sorcerer named Dr. Craven in “The Raven.” In addition to bearing a resemblance to Mr. Price, Stephen Strange’s middle name just so happens to be Vincent. Price once said, “A man who limits his interests limits his life.” Doctor Strange encompasses a similar outlook on life, coming to realize that the impossibilities are endless.

#6: Doctor Strange Origins

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The MCU is cutting back on origin stories moving into Phase Three. That’s why “Captain America: Civil War” provided introductions for Black Panther and Spider-Man. However, Marvel couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tell Doctor Strange’s backstory. Kevin Feige stated, “Doctor Strange has one of the best, most classic, most unique origin stories of any hero we have, so why wouldn’t we do that?” However, Feige has also indicated that the film won’t necessarily open with the origin story. Taking a page from “Deadpool,” Strange will already be the Sorcerer Supreme in the beginning of the movie. At the same time, the film will explore how Strange lost his ability to perform surgery and became Master of the Mystic Arts.

#5: First MCU Movie About Magic

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Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe kicked things off with “Iron Man,” this franchise has leaned more towards science fiction than fantasy. Even “Thor” struck a certain balance between science and magic. “Doctor Strange” will be the first MCU movie that’ll leap into straight-up magical territory. Kevin Feige describes Doctor Strange as a character “who goes from a man of science to a man of faith and who traverses both worlds.” Feige has additionally stated that “Doctor Strange” will open the door for more supernatural stories in the MCU. The film introduces the idea of alternate dimensions, which just might pave the way for a Marvel Multiverse.

In the source material, Doctor Strange journeys to Tibet in order to study magic. For this feature film adaptation, though, Tibet will be removed from the equation. Marvel reportedly made this decision to avoid alienating China, which has one of the world’s biggest movie markets. The studio has also stirred up controversy by casting Tilda Swinton, a British woman, as the Ancient One, who’s typically depicted as a Tibetan man. Swinton has clarified that she’s not portraying an Asian character in the film, but many critics still argue that this is just another example of whitewashing. Nevertheless, Marvel has stood by their casting choice, explaining, “The Ancient One is a title that is not exclusively held by any one character.”

From Sherlock Holmes to Alan Turing, Benedict Cumberbatch is no stranger to playing brilliant individuals. He went the extra mile while researching the role of Doctor Strange, though. To get into character, Cumberbatch traveled to a Tibetan monastery in Darjeeling, India where he dedicated a gap – or sabbatical - year to teaching English. If Cumberbatch were our English teacher, it’s safe to say we’d all pay more attention in class. In the end, the experience had a meaningful impact on the Oscar-nominated actor, who was able to apply everything he learned to his performance as the good doctor.

#2: Not the First Attempt at a Doctor Strange Movie

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Back in 1978, Universal Television developed a made-for-TV “Doctor Strange” movie for CBS. This was originally intended to act as a television pilot, but CBS ultimately passed on the series. Keep in mind this is the same network that actually signed off on the reviled “Amazing Spider-Man” show. Starting in 1986, a new “Doctor Strange” feature film entered pre-production. Numerous writers and directors were attached to the project over the years, from Bob Gale, to Wes Craven, to David S. Goyer. Then in 2005, Paramount obtained the “Doctor Strange” film rights for Marvel Studios. Over a decade later, the Sorcerer Supreme is finally coming to the big screen.

#1: Foreshadowing

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If you haven’t noticed already, Marvel loves to work Easter Eggs into their movies, subtly hinting at what’s to come. While this film will mark Doctor Strange’s first official appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the studio has been foreshadowing his arrival for some time. Doctor Strange was first alluded to in “Thor” where The Orb of Agamotto can be spotted in Odin's vault. In “Thor: The Dark World,” “The Crossroads” is written upon Erik Selvig’s chalkboard. Doctor Strange’s name is even quickly dropped in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” indicating that he’s a potential threat to HYDRA. It’s little details like this that remind us why the MCU is such an awesome franchise with unlimited potential. Do you agree with our list? What fun fact has you excited for “Doctor Strange?” For more entertaining Top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.