‘Doctor Strange’ Star Benedict Cumberbatch Teases A Future With The Illuminati

Even devoted Doctor Strange comic book fans aren’t quite sure what to expect from the coming Marvel film, aside from what has been revealed in casting decisions and video and poster teasers. For that reason, Benedict Cumberbatch, who does play the famed Doctor Strange, is revealing what he knows of planned sequels seems that much more ominous. It’s difficult to imagine Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange future without knowing more of what is planned in the upcoming first film. To help with that, director Scott Derrickson adds his voice to Benedict’s in revealing more about Doctor Strange and how it will set up a story arc for future films.

Doctor Strange Is Essentially A Martial Arts Film, But With Magic

Recent adaptations of Marvel comic book superheroes has led to some strange bedfellows, melding the world of our favorite superheroes with the exciting story genres of westerns, suspenseful heists, and spy thrillers, but, as Cinema Blend recently discovered, that shouldn’t lead fans to know just what expect from Doctor Strange.

While many might presume a mix of science fiction and the paranormal, Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson explains that the film is primarily a martial arts story, but with a twist.

“There’s definitely a martial arts influence on the movie, because that is the action that I like, for starters. It is also, martial arts is the kind of action that does tie in well to the supernatural,” the Doctor Strange director says, hinting at the twist. “That is a whole sub-genre within martial arts cinema, the supernatural martial arts movie, particularly within Asian cinema.”

Given Doctor Strange‘s origin story, Derrickson also suggests that the film required a more traditional, honor-based type of fighting. For that, he knew Doctor Strange had to avoid the trappings of the modern action films.

“I felt like, when it came to fighting in the movie, that just made sense, to certainly to go in that direction and stay away from weapons, gunfire, and things like that and to avoid having fighting be the casting of bolts of light,” said Derrickson.

Benedict Cumberbatch Teases The Coming Of The Illuminati

While the Doctor Strange lead hasn’t revealed too much about this first film or about his character, The Independent reveals that Cumberbatch has responded to rumors of the Illuminati appearing in a Doctor Strange sequel. Oddly enough, Benedict confirms that the existence of this protectorate will be revealed in the planned sequel.

“I’m excited to see where the Illuminati and whatever else might happen, how that works, and where it ends up,” admits Cumberbatch.

In comic book lore, the Illuminati was comprised of Iron Man, Black Bolt (an Inhuman), Professor X, Namor, and Mister Fantastic, as well as Doctor Strange, himself.

Mr. Cumberbatch has also confirmed that Doctor Strange will be making an appearance in the upcoming Avengers installment, Infinity War. This news seems to validate fan theories that Doctor Strange holds the final Infinity Stone.

Doctor Strange‘s director has also opened up about his inspiration for the villain in this first film. Mads Mikkelsen plays Kaecilius and, in creating that evil character, Derrickson says he drew inspiration from The Lord of the Rings films. Particularly, Derrickson sees Kaecilius as another representation of the Sauron-Saruman duality.

“I always loved the Sauron-Saruman idea in Lord of the Rings, even though you never see Sauron except I think in the prologue,” says the Doctor Strange director. “I think that’s the only time you ever see him in that trilogy, but what a presence and what a power. And we do more than that with this other dimensional power.”

Doctor Strange opens in theaters on November 4.

[Featured Image by Walt Disney Studios]