News broke late last night that 12 Years a Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor is in contention for a lead role in Marvel’s Doctor Strange, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
There has been some back-and-forth as to which role the Oscar-nominated actor is in talks for, though it appears to be that the studio want him on board as the film’s main villain. Starring opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, who is set to play The Sorcerer Supreme himself, all signs point to Ejiofor assuming the role of Baron Mordo, a pupil who finds his status undercut by Stephen Strange.
That said, there’s every possibility that the 37-year-old could be in line to play either monk servant Wong or the coveted role of the Ancient One — a character that has been linked to the likes of Ken Watanabe, Morgan Freeman and Bill Nighy.
It’s worth keeping in mind that the potential casting of Ejiofor remains unverified at this early stage, but the actor has been associated with villainous roles in the past, not to mention Spectre’s big bad before Chirstoph Waltz stepped up to the plate. So, will Scott Derrickson’s Doctor Strange by the first superhero vehicle that Ejiofor signs on for? We’ll keep you updated as soon as we learn more.
Doctor Strange is currently slated for release on November 4, 2016.
Benedict Cumberbatch will star in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” scheduled to hit theaters November 4, 2016. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson with Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay, will follow the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions. Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” said Producer Kevin Feige. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”