5 Actors Who Could Play Doctor Strange

A Doctor Strange movie has been rumoured for a long time and many fans have proclaimed their desire that Marvel's most famous sorcerer get his own film. Well now their wish has been granted, as the film has finally been confirmed as one of the initial projects of Marvel's phase three, meaning in a few years we'll get to see the full spectrum of his magic and mysticism on the big screen. For those who don’t know, Stephen Strange was a neurosurgeon who was in a horrible car accident that severely damaged the nerves in his hands, leaving him unable to continue as a doctor. In a desperate search for healing, he travels to Tibet where it is rumored that the mystical Ancient One resides. The Ancient One at first refuses to treat Strange, but agrees after Strange acts unselfishly when he attempts to stop Mordo, the Ancient One’s pupil, from attacking the Ancient One. He then studies under the Ancient One, ultimately gaining the knowledge that he later uses to defend the defenseless as Doctor Strange. Of course, this announcement raises the question of who will star as Strange. This casting decision is of the utmost importance, and it'll likely give fan-boys something to loathe or love until the film hits the big screen. Strange is a very complex character, meaning an extremely talented actor will be needed to play him. While comic book films may have once been looked at as something that wasn't worth a top-notch actor's time, the success of many recent Marvel films means the studio will likely be able to pull in just about whoever they want, assuming scheduling allows. In order to ease Marvel's decision making process, just in case anyone from the studio is reading, I've compiled a list of my top 5 actors to play Doctor Strange. Check out my first pick on the next page! Orlando Bloom Orlando Bloom may be a bit young for Strange, but he's definitely still one of my top choices. The guy already played a character of superhero proportions in The Lord Of The Rings, albeit a character just about as opposite from Strange as possible, but the guy is just made for this role. He's also extremely talented, so I'd feel comfortable with him taking on just about anything, but it's hard not to get giddy thinking about Bloom learning the art of sorcery under the Ancient One in Tibet. He also wouldn't look weird at all wearing the flowing cape of Strange, which is something that can't be said for most men. Bloom historically has been very selective with his roles, which is probably part of the reason he's avoided an endeavor into comic films. That means the script would have to be excellent, and a top-notch director will have to be on board before he joins. But honestly, are we expecting anything less than top-notch from Marvel at this point? George Clooney Yes, George Clooney was an utter fail as Batman. There's no denying that. But I say that's all the more reason to let him jump ship to Marvel and prove how great of a superhero he can be. The guy is too talented an actor for anyone to think he can't take on the role, and while not as striking as others on this list, the resemblance between him and Strange is still pretty spot-on. Clooney hasn't ventured into sci-fi or fantasy much, but I think that would actually be a positive thing for Strange. While the mysticism of Strange is going to be something totally different from what Marvel has previously done, it still is going to need to be firmly grounded in the world set up by the other films, which, for the most part, has an extremely realistic feel. Clooney's ability to make every role feel like a real person would greatly benefit the film. Plus, with his future features like Gravity and 1952, by the time Doctor Strange rolls around Clooney will have enough sci-fi in his system to totally cleanse his palate of battling Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mr. Freeze. Hugh Laurie If there's anyone qualified to play Stephen Strange pre-accident, it has to be Hugh Laurie. Strange is an arrogant, self-absorbed doctor. Ring any bells? That doesn't mean that Laurie wouldn't be a good pick once the conversion to mystical hero is complete. His performance on House was much more than a narcissistic doctor. He's shown great range and truly top-notch talent as an actor. Although much of his acting recently has been voice-over work, it's time that Laurie made the transition into full-blown feature film star. Doctor Strange would be an excellent film for that to happen. The look could easily be completed too. Slightly darker hair and a bit fuller of a beard and you've got a perfect Strange. His extremely proper manner would be great for the methodical nature of the character, yet he isn't so uptight that he would look out of place dueling Mordo. All things considered, Laurie would be an excellent pick for Doctor Strange. Johnny Depp Perhaps better suited to play a villain than a superhero, it's a shame that Johnny Depp hasn't been in a comicbook film, regardless of whether he's fighting for good or evil. One of the most talented actors of our time, I don't think anyone would have any doubt that Depp could pull off playing Strange. That being said, the sillier side that Depp often shows, even in serious roles, wouldn't be a good fit here. However, if he turned in a performance reminiscent of recent ones such as The Tourist or Public Enemies, that would make for such an epic Doctor Strange film. It isn't hard at all to picture Depp traveling to other dimensions to battle evil, all while maintaining the feel that the film belongs in the same world as the rest of the Marvel films. Plus, how awesome would it be to see Depp and Robert Downey Jr. team up at some point in a future film? I can think of very few duos that would be better. And just look at Depp. I mean, there are few people in the world who look more like Strange than he does. You could practically cut out his picture and paste it in your comics and hardly notice any difference. Depp dealing with magic is a dream come true for fans of Marvel and quality films alike. Joel Edgerton An actor who is rapidly on the rise, Joel Edgerton has already been rumoured for the role of Strange, but of course there's nothing anywhere near concrete. Word is at one point Marvel talked to him about the character, and the goal was a cameo in Thor: The Dark World. If Marvel actually considered the guy, he's worth taking a look at, but even without that rumour he'd be more than worthy of a place on this list. The man has proven time and time again to be a phenomenal actor, worthy of the praise that's awarded to Hollywood's elite. His performance in Warrior was outstanding, and he should be one of the real treats of The Great Gatsby. Hard to imagine that this is the same guy who once played Luke's uncle in Star Wars. A big problem with Edgerton is how busy he is at the moment. He's in extremely high-demand, and may be working on his directorial debut, Weirdo. That being said, I don't see him slowing down anytime soon, so if Marvel wants to bring him in, they better hurry up and do it. I'd hope he'd be willing to put something else on hold to star in a Marvel film, because if he did, fans would be blessed with a excellent mystical performance doing justice to Doctor Strange. So those are my picks. What do you think of these choices for Doctor Strange? Is there someone you'd rather see in the role? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.