When Stephen Strange joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016's Doctor Strange, the character suited up in the Sorcerer Supreme's most iconic look: blue robes and the red Cloak of Levitation. But there was a time when Doctor Strange almost had an all-blue look.
Marvel Studios Head of Visual Development and concept artist Ryan Meinerding revealed a piece of early concept art for the Scott Derrickson-directed film, and it features a very different Cloak of Levitation.
The concept art features the Sorcerer Supreme wearing robes somewhat similar to what he wears in the film. However, the biggest change is the blue Cloak of Levitation, which comes with golden accents and what appears to be magic symbols.
This all-blue look for Doctor Strange is actually an homage to the character's original comic book appearances in 1963's Strange Tales comic series by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. In his original appearance in the Strange Tales #110, Doctor Strange had no cape -- only his blue outfit. The blue cape would come a bit later, in Strange Tales #114. As for the red cloak, the character would start wearing it in Strange Tales #127.
Doctor Strange was last seen in Avengers: Endgame. The character is set to return in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Director Sam Raimi recently confirmed he will helm the sequel following Scott Derrickson's departure from the project. The film is now slated to hit theaters March 25, 2022, following Disney's revised release schedule due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.