Dr. Strange (1978)
MovieOptionalLegacy
Psychiatrist Stephen Strange is chosen to succeed a sorcerer and stop Morgan le Fay. This 1978 Marvel film sits outside the MCU timeline, so you can watch it on its own without any homework. At 1h 34m, it is rent or buy only in the US right now.
| Release date | September 6, 1978 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 1h 34m |
| IMDb rating | 5.1/10 |
| Series | Legacy Marvel films |
| Post-credit scene | No |
Why it matters now
A CBS pilot that never became a series.
About Dr. Strange (1978)
In this TV movie, Stephen Strange is a hospital psychiatrist rather than a surgeon. A demonic figure called the Nameless One gives the sorceress Morgan le Fay three days to defeat the wizard who has blocked her from Earth and to win over his successor. She possesses one of Strange's patients, Clea Lake, and uses her to attack Thomas Lindmer, the Sorcerer Supreme. Strange, who has inherited mystical items from his father, finds that he's the only one who can save Clea.
Philip DeGuere wrote, directed and co-produced it for Universal, as one of four two-hour TV movies made for CBS. Peter Hooten plays Strange, with Jessica Walter as Morgan le Fay, Sir John Mills as Lindmer, Clyde Kusatsu as Wong and Anne-Marie Martin, credited as Eddie Benton, as Clea. It aired on September 6, 1978, and runs 93 minutes. Ratings were poor and most critics were unimpressed, so CBS passed on a series.
Good to know
- It was a backdoor pilot for a weekly Doctor Strange series that never happened.
- Stan Lee consulted on the film and said he had more input on it than on any other Marvel adaptation of the era.
- Lee believed it would have rated better if it hadn't aired against Roots.
- Budget limits kept the Eye of Agamotto and Dormammu out of the story.
- It was released on DVD by Shout! Factory in 2016 and on a limited-edition Blu-ray in 2022.
How to watch it
This stands alone and fits in a late-1970s block with The Incredible Hulk and the two Reb Brown Captain America TV movies. Its pacing and effects are very much 1970s TV, closer to a slow-burn occult drama than a fight-heavy superhero film. It's worth watching with Doctor Strange (2016) in mind to compare the two origins.
Where it fits in your watch
- All legacy Marvel films
Dr. Strange (1978) FAQ
Who plays Doctor Strange in the 1978 movie?
Peter Hooten plays Stephen Strange. Clyde Kusatsu plays Wong, and Jessica Walter plays the villain, Morgan le Fay.
Why didn't Dr. Strange (1978) become a TV series?
It was made as a pilot, but it drew very low ratings and CBS did not order a series.
Is Dr. Strange (1978) connected to the Benedict Cumberbatch movie?
No. It's an unrelated earlier adaptation in which Strange is a psychiatrist rather than a surgeon.
Can you skip Dr. Strange (1978)?
Yes. It’s not on the MCU timeline, so you won’t miss any MCU story by skipping it.
When was Dr. Strange (1978) released?
Dr. Strange (1978) was released on September 6, 1978.
Is Dr. Strange (1978) part of the MCU?
No. Dr. Strange (1978) is a Marvel film made outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so it isn’t on Marvel Studios’ official timeline.
Does Dr. Strange (1978) have a post-credit scene?
No, Dr. Strange (1978) has no post-credit scene.
Where to watch Dr. Strange (1978) in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Not currently on a US subscription service |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
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