Today on Twitter, Marvel’s Co-President Louis D’Esposito, posted two photos from the set of Marvel’s upcoming film Doctor Strange. While photos of Benedict Cumberbatch filming in Nepal surfaced earlier last month, these are our first official photos of the set of Doctor Strange.
The photos, which are embedded below, depict an almost Asgardian-looking metallic door with intricate wall hangings and carved stones. There is also Stephen Strange’s symbol on the door in the background.
https://twitter.com/louisde2/status/676383222247329793/photo/1
— Louis D'Esposito (@louisde2) December 14, 2015
While D’Esposito didn’t share any photos of Doctor Strange himself, he did respond to a fan that he “Just spoke with the doctor. Unfortunately he’s in costume, so no photos. He’s so good.” HE’S SO GOOD! YES! THIS IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO!
@cumberbatchlive @scottderrickson @stphnbrssrd – just spoke with the doctor. unfortunately he's in costume so no photos. He's so good
— Louis D'Esposito (@louisde2) December 14, 2015
Ancient One’s Temple or Strange’s House?
The question becomes, from the set photo above, are we looking at the Sanctum Santorum of Doctor Strange, or the home of Tilda Swinton’s the Ancient One? Let’s speculate:
The ancient one built a powerful citadel for himself and created an order of monks. The monks served to protect the temple while the Ancient One traveled dimensions battling his enemies, like Dormammu. The citadel served as a place of reflection and peace, and was where Stephen Strange took on the mantle of “Sorcerer Supreme”. The building from the photo above may be the inside of this famed temple.
A second speculation is that somehow, this represents a part of Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Santorum. While Sanctom Sanctorum means “The holiest of holies” in Latin, it’s also the name of Doctor Strange’s lair in the comic books.
In the picture above (Stephen’s Sanctum Santorum from Earth-2772), the symbol in the window looks exactly like the symbol on the door, so this could be a temple-like base of operations for Stephen, after he gets his powers.
What are your thoughts? Sound off and speculate in the comments below!
Side note: Upon looking at pictures of the Sanctum Santorum it looks less like a place that could represent “the holiest of holies” and more like a certain detective’s base of operations in London. (Ironic that.) Rather, a nice place for a detective to curl up with dragons and read ancient forbidden tomes of magic. Doctor Strange and Sherlock Holmes seem to – fittingly – have similar tastes.
“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
“Doctor Strange” is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and 10 films—is to introduce audiences to new heroes and continue the adventures of fan favorites. (Marvel)
Doctor Strange opens in theaters November 4th, 2016.