'Doctor Strange' & 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' Synopses Released: What to Expect from MCU

Marvel Studios is wasting no time on the heels of the mad success of this year's Captain America: Civil War, and plans for the next movies in the Cinematic Universe are going forward. They've just released the synopses for the next two films: Phase 3 big films Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 are already well into planning!

Doctor Strange, which will star Oscar-nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme, is the next film up in the MCU. Days back, it was confirmed that the movie will be part of the Marvel panel at this summer's San Diego Comic-Con.

"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," reads the synopsis, via Slash Film. "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."

The movie has an all-around very impressive cast. Besides Sherlock actor Cumberbatch taking over the lead role, other stars include fellow Oscar nominees Rachel McAdams and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hannibal actor Mads Mikkelsen and Academy Award-winning actress Tilda Swinton, whose casting in the role of the comic book character The Ancient One has caused some controversy, as the character was originally an Asian man.

Doctor Strange will be an origin story, and it seems the last of many. Phase 3 of the MCU will be focused on bringing a few new superheroes to the big screen, and there aren't nearly as many sequels as there were in Phase 2.

One of the sequels present in Phase 3 is, of course, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the first of three films Marvel Studios will launch next year, the first time that happens in the franchise. The movie, written and directed once again by James Gunn, will bring back the entire band of misfits, plus a few more.

"Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos," reads the synopsis, according to Collider. "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."