Doctor Strange’s Cape Is Much Fancier In Unused Costume Design

Doctor Strange could have had a much fancier-looking cape based on newly released concept art. The Cloak of Levitation was almost a character in and of itself in the blockbuster live-action adaptation of Doctor Strange, floating and jetting around on its own and protecting the titular hero when draped over his back. At times it became Doctor Strange’s impromptu sidekick, battling henchmen by itself, often to humorous effect.

The cloak is one of the most powerful artifacts in the universe and undoubtedly helped Doctor Strange, widely hailed as one of the most visually stunning movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects (it ultimately lost to The Jungle Book). And its dynamic movements and actions took center stage in its scenes, because the visual design of the cape was relatively simple. But it could have ended up with a much flashier look.

Concept artist and Marvel Studios head of visual development, Ryan Meinerding revealed a fascinating collection of concept art for Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation on his Instagram page. It features multiple angles of Doctor Strange in his full outfit, but with distinctive changes on the cloak. The shoulders and lower sides included ornate, gold-colored fractal-like designs. The look would have served as visual cues for many of the objects and images conjured up by Doctor Strange and other experts in the mystic arts. You can check out the designs below.

Meinerding, who also served as head of visual development of Doctor Strange, didn’t explain why they ultimately stripped the cloak of its elaborate decorations in favor of a more understated look. But he did credit his own fascination with embroidered patterns on costumes and uniforms for why he designed the original cloak this way.

It’s unclear what led to the decision to simplify the design for the Cloak of Levitation. But either way, the look of the cape wouldn’t have taken away from the fun of watching it flutter into battle on the screen. One possible explanation is that the lack of ornate designs made it look more ancient, like it was supposed to be. But perhaps a design upgrade or new costume would make sense in the sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which recently had its release date pushed back to Nov. 5, 2021. Until then, there is plenty of time to wonder what’s in store for the Cloak of Levitation.