With Benedict Cumberbatch set in the lead, Chiwetel Ejiofor locked in as villain Baron Mordo and Tilda Swinton presumably in talks for The Ancient One, the only major piece left for Scott Derrickson's DOCTOR STRANGE is the female lead. If rumors are true, it looks like it is going to be a Mean Girl/True Detective.
Ain't It Cool News and Heroic Hollywood are both reporting sources that have Rachel McAdams in final negotiations to star as Benedict Cumberbatch's love interest in DOCTOR STRANGE. While her role is unconfirmed, Harry Knowles feels confident in saying she will not be playing Strange's most frequent love interest Clea. That would mean the most likely alternative character could be Morgana Blessing.
McAdams gained fame starring in MEAN GIRLS as well as WEDDING CRASHERS and THE NOTEBOOK along with several other romantic lead roles. She recently debuted in the second season of True Detective in what is her most adult and layered role to date. She will next be seen opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Antoine Fuqua's SOUTHPAW.
DOCTOR STRANGE is set to begin production this year and it seems like the casting of Rachel McAdams is coming close to San Diego Comic Con where Marvel will not be maintaining a presence. But, if this happens I would expect an announcement to happen very soon.
DOCTOR STRANGE is set to open on November 4, 2016.