Marvel is finally starting to hype Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 with a pair of intriguing synopses.

On Monday (June 20), the comic book giant unveiled its most detailed descriptions yet for the two films that will follow Captain America: Civil War in its Phase 3 film slate.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strangepinterest
Marvel Studios

First up is Doctor Strange: "Marvel's Doctor Strange follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions.

"Based in New York City's Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe."

Of course, Benedict Cumberbatch takes centre stage as the Sorcerer Supreme - under the tutelage of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) as he explores the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe.

Dark forces threaten to infect "the real world", as Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and a dangerous sorcerer (Mads Mikkelsen) embrace cataclysmic magicks.

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Guardians of the Galaxy, Zoe Saldana, Chris Prattpinterest

Meanwhile, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 sounds just as action-packed as Doctor Strange: "Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos.

"The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand."

Among the Marvel heroes expected to come to the Guardians' aid is the badass Mantis, who'll be brought to life by Oldboy star Pom Klementieff.

Last week, director James Gunn hinted that the sequel will include the best performance of leading man's Chris Pratt's career. We also know that Kurt Russell will appear in a heavily-shrouded role.

Doctor Strange opens on October 28 in the UK and November 4 in the US. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 follows on April 28, 2017 in the UK and May 5 in the US.

Watch a trailer for Doctor Strange below:

Video poster

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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.