The latest addition to the cast of Marvel's DOCTOR STRANGE may be one of the more unique choices for the comic book behemoth. Acclaimed actress Tilda Swinton is in negotiations to portray the mentor to Benedict Cumberbatch's Stephen Strange. The character has traditionally been male in all versions of the comic book, but the switch would be made specifically to get Swinton on board for Scott Derrickson's film.
Swinton is no stranger to playing androgynous comic book characters having played Gabriel in CONSTANTINE. She has appeared in the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA franchise as The White Witch and won an Oscar for 2007's MICHAEL CLAYTON. Swinton has recently appeared in Wes Anderson's THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL and the scifi epic SNOWPIERCER. She will next be seen in Judd Apatow's TRAINWRECK.
In the comics, The Ancient One is the one who teaches Strange to become the Sorceror Supreme, taking him as an apprentice. In later comics, The Ancient One has served as a foe to Strange as well. Which version of the character will appear in the film is unknown, but Swinton is an inspired choice to play off of Cumberbatch.
Not much is known about DOCTOR STRANGE at this point, but I would expect the film to reveal more castmembers over the coming months as production amps up to start in November. So far, this origin tale is playing it's card close so as not to reveal too much, but here's hoping they keep going with the great casting decisions.
DOCTOR STRANGE opens on November 4, 2016.