Marvel Studios is apparently chasing Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor for a role in "Doctor Strange," according to The Hollywood Reporter. It still unclear at this time which role, a hero or a bad guy, Ejiofor is up for. And a deal appears to be far from done; talks are said to be in the early stages, and Marvel gave an emphatic "no-comment" on the report.
The Hollywood Reporter has conflicting reports as to whether or not Ejiofor will appear as an antagonist or ally to the Sorcerer Supreme, but hypothesizes that he could play Baron Mordo (villain), Wong (ally), and The Ancient One (ally) as possibilities for his role. Mordo or Wong I could see Ejiofor playing, but The Ancient One...not so much.
If cast, this would be Ejiofor's first comic book-based film, but he has experience in genre flicks, having appeared in director Joss Whedon's "Serenity," Alfonso Cuarón's dystopian sci-fi "Children of Men" and the spy thriller "Salt." Last year, he was nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Solomon Northup in "12 Years a Slave."
"Sherlock" star Benedict Cumberbatch, also an Oscar nominee for "The Imitation Game," is the only announced casting so far for "Doctor Strange," as Dr. Stephen Strange. Scott Derrickson is helming the film, which is scheduled to be released on Nov. 4, 2016.
