According to The Hollywood Reporter, actress Tilda Swinton (Snowpiercer, Chronicles of Narnia) is in talks to join Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Imitation Game) in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange as the Ancient One. If reports are true, this is yet another case of Marvel Studios hiring incredible actors in supporting roles. Swinton would join Robert Redford (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Glenn Close (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Michael Douglas (Ant-Man) in helping Marvel establish serious acting credibility in their films.
Fans of the comic series are probably scratching their heads at this casting announcement. The Ancient One is usually portrayed in the comics as an older Tibetan man. In fact, earlier casting rumors had Ken Watanabe (Godzilla, Batman Begins) as someone Marvel was considering for the role. It’ll be very interesting to see how Marvel tackles this new take on the character. Granted, with the acting chops Swinton possesses, I have no doubt it’ll be great.
Even with the success of last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy showing Marvel can make the world care about a talking tree, they might have a bigger hurdle ahead of them with Doctor Strange. Exploring the mystical side of the Marvel Universe, Doctor Strange tells the story of an arrogant surgeon, Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch), who badly damages his hands in a car accident. Going to great lengths to restore the use of his hands, Strange encounters the Ancient One (Swinton) who introduces him to the mystical arts. The movie will feature different dimensions, magical spells, and possibly a villain by the name of Dormammu. Needless to say, this movie is going to be interesting.
Filming is scheduled for this Fall with Scott Derrickson (Sinister) attached to direct. Marvel’s Doctor Strange opens Nov. 4, 2016.
