Doctor Strange was a big success for Marvel Studios, but the film is about to be surpassed by Black Panther for a surprising reason.

Doctor Strange was helmed by Scott Derrickson, who successfully brought the world of magic to the MCU. The film was also a success at the box office, as it is the highest grossing MCU origin film. As Derrickson points out though, that reign at the top will soon end, but Derrickson's okay with it.

"Doctor Strange is the highest grossing MCU origin movie. I have six more weeks to enjoy this fact before Ryan Coogler's #BlackPanther shatters box office records. #CantWait"

Doctor Strange is the highest grossing MCU origin movie. I have six more weeks to enjoy this fact before Ryan Coogler’s #BlackPanther shatters box office records. #CantWait

— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) January 4, 2018

Doctor Strange brought in over $232 million domestically and over $677 million worldwide. In regards to solo characters (the first Guardians of the Galaxy did take in more), it beats out Captain America ($370 million worldwide), Iron Man ($585 million worldwide), Thor ($449 million worldwide), The Incredible Hulk ($263 million worldwide), and Ant-Man ($519 million worldwide). Guardians of the Galaxy brought in $773 million worldwide.

Early box office estimates point to a $100 million-plus opening for Black Panther, which pretty much has the weekend all to itself as far as tentpole releases. The bigger films of the season like A Wrinkle In Time, Tomb Raider, Pacific Rim Uprising, and Ready Player One don't arrive until weeks later, so that should give Black Panther some time to dominate before competition arrives.

As for Doctor Strange, fans are hopeful that Derrickson will return to the director's chair for the sequel, though one has not been officially announced yet. Kevin Feige did recently tease the Doctor's return though.

"Certainly, we would love to tell more about the Strange story [in a sequel,]" Feige said.

Hopefully, that happens sooner rather than later.

Black Panther currently enjoys a 4.16 out of 5 on ComicBook.com's anticipation rankings, which you can vote in here.

Black Panther hits theaters on February 16.

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