'Doctor Strange' Box Office: New Film Debuts Strongly Worldwide With $86 Million

Marvel Cinematic Universe's latest offering "Doctor Strange" has managed to successfully cast a spell on a global scale, as it debuted strongly with $86 million ahead of its official release in North America.

The gross earnings of "Doctor Strange," which is top-billed by British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, is seen as an improvement from the international gross of its predecessors: 49 percent for "Ant Man" (2015), 37 percent for "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014), 23 percent for "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014), and roughly 1 percent for "Thor: The Dark World" (2014).

"Doctor Strange" premiered in 33 countries around the world. The film had strong showings in European countries namely the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, as well as in Korea, Australia and Mexico. It is expected to augment its impact worldwide ahead of its release in key markets in countries namely Russia, China, Japan and Brazil in the coming weeks, according to Entertainment Weekly.

"Doctor Strange" follows the story of Stephen Strange (portrayed by Cumberbatch), who is an extremely talented and conceited neurosurgeon who goes through a journey of healing and self-discovery after he injures his hands in a car accident. He goes on to become a powerful sorcerer, trained and guided by a mystic who is only known as the Ancient One (Swinton).

While "Doctor Strange" is pegged as one of many Marvel stories stocked at the bottom of the pile, it hasn't stopped the film from making an impact. Lead star Cumberbatch has had numerous critical and commercial success under his belt. His 2014's "The Imitation Game" gained $142 million while "12 Years A Slave" grossed $131 million around the globe, according to Deadline.

The film, which currently holds a 94-fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes, hits theaters in the United States and Canada on Nov. 4. Watch the official trailer for "Doctor Strange" below: