The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a success story in the history of cinema. A franchise so famed, wide, and well-established that it mints money like paper. Back in the early days of it, Marvel Studios made the right decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. in and as Iron Man. However, they also overlooked one huge opportunity. Oscar-winning visionary director Guillermo del Toro of The Shape of Water, and Pacific Rim fame along with Sandman writer Neil Gaiman had proposed a project on the now leading MCU character, Doctor Strange.

The Studios were at its nascent stage, with Jon Favreau and Kevin Feige fine-tuning the grand plan of the cinema juggernaut. And in their oversight, they dismissed the project. However, fans lament this today as they express their sorrow, since it could have been one of the best comic book movies of all time.

Countless Marvel fans would have loved to see a collaboration between these two powerhouses in a Doctor Strange movie. Moreover, their film would have drawn inspiration from Steve Ditko’s stories. These stories were celebrated for their mind-bending and surreal visuals. Their version of the film would have dived into the character’s dark and eerie nature while also exploring his timeless persona.

However, Marvel Studios wanted to build upon their characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, who were to play crucial roles in establishing the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Moreover, the general audience had limited recognition of Doctor Strange at that time. Hence, Marvel boss Kevin Feige, being extremely cautious, did not want to take any risks.

However, fans are unable to forget this failed adaptation, even to this day.

Fans feel “robbed” of the shelved Guillermo del Toro and Neil Gaiman’s Doctor Strange

Comic and MCU fans alike expressed their disappointment on Twitter. Almost everyone seems to be realizing the potential magic this movie could have brought upon. Alas, it didn’t. And fans are labeling it as one of Kevin Feige’s biggest mis-hits as they never revisited the idea even while bringing the character back in 2016.

Some fans were so dejected that they felt as if they were in the “darkest” timeline.

However, fans are still up on the idea of having Del Toro back for Doctor Strange 3.

And how about Johnny Depp as the lead?!

The greatest movie ever that could have been.

However, it is never too late for anything. Marvel Studios is filling up its slate with a lot of characters and cameos for the upcoming Deadpool 3. Therefore, bringing the writer-screen player duo for the third Doctor Strange movie may not be an idea that far-stretched.

What do you think of this ‘missed opportunity’ of Marvel Studios? Let us know in the comments below.