As we wait like Vladimir and Estragon for the Godot-like replacement for Edgar Wright on Marvel’s increasingly ill-fated Ant-Man, one wonders how to pass the time and sate our appetites for superheroic cinema-related news. Earlier this week, news broke that Sinister director Scott Derrickson would be helming Doctor Strange, Marvel’s long-hinted Phase III film, a longtime passion project of Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige. While rumors are swirling that David Wain and Peyton Reed are being eyed for Ant-Man, it felt like a relief to get some news about genuine progress being made on a Marvel film. Still, being that we are as insatiably thirsty for more big screen superhero news as Tantalus is for literally any liquid, we have a nice, juicy nugget of rumor for you coming from Deadline. Evidently, Marvel is starting to assemble its casting wish list for Doctor Strange and chief among their choices to play the Sorcerer Supreme are the Gods of Tumblr themselves, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy.
While the article is best taken with a Fin Fang Foom-sized grain of salt and it even admits that they “are not the only ones in the mix”, both British thespians have a considerable resume of both genre and non-geek credits that would make them ideal candidates to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Still, considering that Hardy has Child 44 and Mad Max: Fury Road on his plate, and Cumberbatch has Imitation Game on the way, it may come down to a matter of who actually has room in their schedule to play the part. Apart from Doctor Strange’s decided lack of silly hats, scheduling is precisely what is likely keeping Johnny Depp from being in the running to don the iconic red cape. The only thing that you can count on in this world is that this won’t be the last piece of casting speculation you’ll see about Doctor Strange, especially as the buzz around it grows hotter than Dormamu’s face.
Who would you like to see play Doctor Strange? Let us know in the comments below or tell me on Twitter.
Christophe Paou
Irish actor Kevin J Ryan is THE man for this role! He knows the character backwards and forwards, and is an amazing actor with the ability to nail complicated characters on a subtle and not-so-subtle level.
Pedro Pascal for Dr Strange anyone?
Kevin Ryan should portray Dr. Strange.
Kevin J. Ryan should be Dr. Strange. He’s a darn good actor who can iron out a complex character like Strange. He’s Irish and a spitting image. No one else would be better.
Craig Fergusion!
As much as I *LOVE* Benedict and Tom, my top pick for Doctor Strange is definitely Kevin Ryan. He’d be perfect in the role!
I NEEd to see Kevin Ryan as Dr Strange. How could they go wrong with this amazing actor?
Irish actor Kevin Ryan is theconly choice for the role of Marvel’s Doctor Strange
Oh no!! Kevin Ryan from BBCAmerica’s COPPER is who should play Dr. Strange!!
Kevin Ryan is perfect for the role!!
Oh God…I need this to happen. I need Benedict to play Doctor Strange. Please. please.