Doctor Strange is the latest Marvel comic book hero to hit the big screen. With Benedict Cumberbatch taking on the title character, the film’s themes opens up the potential for Marvel to broaden their cinematic universe. However, this isn’t the first time Doctor Strange has appeared in the public eye outside of comics. In fact, he has made several appearances in TV, films, and games over the years. Let’s take a look at some of his most popular appearances.
Dr. Strange (1978)
Directed by Philip DeGuere, Dr. Strange appeared in a 1978 telemovie that first aired on CBS. Stan Lee consulted on the film which was intended to serve as a pilot to a proposed series for the network who were already having success with The Amazing Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk. The two-hour film features not only Doctor Strange, but the evil sorceress Morgan le Fay, as well as the original Sorcerer Supreme, Lindmer. CBS decided not to pick up the series, but this early look at the character makes it definitely worth watching.
Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme
Another cinematic appearance, Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme is 76 minutes of non-stop action. If you know nothing about Doctor Strange, this film will certainly do a good job of filling you in on what you don’t know. The film is separate from the Ultimate Avengers universe, but still uses most of the big names from the comics, as well as some backstory on Stephen Strange himself. With some exciting fight scenes between Doctor Strange and some powerful villains, you will want to see this film.
Film Cameos
Doctor Strange has also had a few brief cameos in several films, including the animated film Planet Hulk. He and the members of the Illuminati regretfully inform Hulk of the decisions made to ensure his removal from Earth. Strange also appeared in the 2000s Spider-Man film series as well as the animated film Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell.
Television Appearances
Doctor Strange has been in several roles in TV shows over the years. In the episode “7 Little Superheroes” of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, he appears alongside Spider-Man, Iceman, Firestar, Captain America, Namor, and Shanna the She-Devil. The heroes are invited to the Chameleon‘s house on Wolf Island so he can get rid of the heroes. In another cameo appearance, Doctor Strange showed up in the 1990s X-Men animated series. He was seen in the episode “The Dark Phoenix Saga (Part 3)”.
In Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Doctor Strange had a whole episode named after him. In the episode, he and Wong help Spider-Man rescue Mary Jane Watson from Baron Mordo and Dormammu, and they retrieve the Wand of Watoomb. After Spider-Man leaves, Doctor Strange detects the presence of Madame Web.
He has also appeared in The Incredible Hulk in the episode “Mind Over Anti-Matter.” Voiced by Maurice LaMarche, Strange helps She-Hulk when an unnamed evil entity possesses the Hulk into the Dark Hulk.
In the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series, Doctor Strange has a rather large role in seasons one and two. If you are looking for a show that uses Doctor Strange as more than just a cameo, then this is the one.
Doctor Strange also appeared in several other TV shows over the years, including Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H, and Avengers Assemble to name a few.
Video Games
Doctor Strange has not only appeared in TV and movies but has also been a character in several video games over the years.
Doctor Strange shows up as a playable character in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. Voiced by James Horan, he only becomes available after the players help him find the Eye of Agamotto at the Mandarin’s Palace in the Valley of Spirits. In a special dialogue with the Ancient One, Doctor Strange informs him of the Masters of Evil’s plot and asks that he watches over them and aid them in whatever way he can. He has a special dialogue with Lady Sif once the player discovers the Twilight Sword shattered in Nifflehiem.
In The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin on the Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear, Doctor Strange acts as Spider-Man‘s advisor in cut scenes.
Doctor Strange appears in Hsien-Ko‘s ending in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. In the updated version of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, he later appears as a playable character.
The next appearance of Doctor Strange will be in the upcoming film starring Benedict Cumberbatch which premieres on Nov 4, 2016.
