At the end of “Doctor Strange,” the titular character, Dr. Stephen Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), has undergone a significant character arc. Initially a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon, he seeks healing for his hands, which were severely injured in a car accident. This quest leads him to Kamar-Taj, a mystical sanctuary where he learns the mystic arts under the guidance of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton).
As the story progresses, Strange discovers that the Ancient One draws power from the Dark Dimension to sustain her life and abilities. This revelation challenges his understanding of morality and the ethical use of magical powers. In the climax of the film, a former disciple named Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) attempts to use dark magic to bring the dark dimension under the rule of Dormammu, a powerful cosmic entity.
Doctor Strange, along with his allies Wong (Benedict Wong) and Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), confront Kaecilius in the Mirror Dimension, where they engage in a mind-bending and visually stunning battle. Despite their efforts, Kaecilius succeeds in merging Earth with the Dark Dimension, causing reality to warp and bend.
In a desperate move, Doctor Strange uses the Eye of Agamotto, which houses the Time Stone, to reverse time and undo the destruction caused by Kaecilius. This leads to a unique and visually captivating sequence where buildings reconstruct themselves, and events play backward.
Doctor Strange then confronts Dormammu in the Dark Dimension, bargaining with the entity to leave Earth in exchange for breaking the time loop he created. Dormammu, frustrated by the eternal repetition, agrees, and Earth is saved.
In the aftermath, Doctor Strange returns to Kamar-Taj and is offered the title of Sorcerer Supreme, but he declines, stating that he prefers to be a guardian of the Sanctum Sanctorum in New York. Mordo, disillusioned by the compromise and ethical decisions made by the Ancient One and Doctor Strange, decides to sever ties with Kamar-Taj, setting up a potential conflict for future films.
The film concludes with Doctor Strange continuing his studies and mastering the mystic arts, hinting at his role in the broader MCU. Additionally, a mid-credits scene features Thor seeking Doctor Strange’s help in finding Odin, setting the stage for the events in “Thor: Ragnarok.”