Despite the recent problems surrounding Ant-Man, Marvel Studios is continuing to plot out their next slate of films, and Doctor Strange is the latest superhero to be tapped for a big screen adventure. The character of Stephen Strange was name-dropped during Captain America: The Winter Soldier, eliciting a thumbs-up from fans of the comics, and now Variety is reporting that Sinister director Scott Derrickson is Marvel’s top choice to bring the Sorceror Supreme to theaters.
While Marvel declined to comment on the news, Derrickson’s Twitter feed seems to confirm that he’s on board:
My next movie will be STRANGE: pic.twitter.com/5pdbO6Op6j
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) June 3, 2014
The film promises to explore new territory for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the character of Doctor Strange is charged with protecting Earth and its citizens from threats both mystical and magical. Several names have been rumored for the role, including Johnny Depp, and Game of Thrones star Aidan Gillen seems to have the fanboy vote, but it will likely be a few months before we hear any official casting news.
Marvel currently has two release dates locked down, with no films attached: look for Doctor Strange on May 6, 2016, or (more likely) May 5, 2017.
doctor strange marvel scott derrickson