Mads Mikkelsen in early negotiations to join Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'
Mads Mikkelsen is reported to be in initial talks to play a part in Marvel's "Doctor Strange" as one of the film's villains.
"Hannibal" star, Mads Mikkelsen, was previously attached to play villain Malekith the Accursed in one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's films, "Thor: The Dark World," a deal that didn't push through, and now reports have emerged the Danish actor is being eyed as another villain in MCU's upcoming "Doctor Strange."
Mikkelsen, 49, has been known for playing antagonist roles, such as Le Chiffre in the 2006 James Bond film, "Casino Royale," and as Rochefort in 2011's "The Three Musketeers."
Audiences may get another taste of his sinister persona when he joins Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the 14th installment of the MCU that's due out late next year.
The second film in MCU's Phase Three will be directed by "Sinister's" Scott Derrickson, with Cumberbatch cast in the titular role as an arrogant top-notch neurosurgeon who figures in a vehicular accident that destroys the nerves in his hands and ruins his career. Doctor Strange then begins an unconventional journey of healing which puts him on the path of the Ancient One (Swinton), a "Sorcerer Supreme" who takes Strange on as an apprentice and successor to protect the earth against magical and mystical dangers.
If the deal pans out for Mikkelsen, who has already gained a considerable reputation as an intriguing character actor, he will be teaming up on the side of Ejiofor, who has been cast as main villain, Baron Mordo.
If speculations run true, Mikkelsen may be playing another of Doctor Strange's arch-enemies, the master of dark magic and Lord of Chaos, Dormammu. On the other hand, there is also Mephisto, another dark lord from the comics with a long history of enmity against Doctor Strange.
Mikkelsen, who will be leaving the awarded and critically acclaimed "Hannibal" after the NBC psychological thriller was cancelled after three seasons, is currently filming "Star Wars: Rogue One," where he has a role as one of the protagonists.
If negotiations are successful, Mikkelsen will be appearing on the big screen in "Doctor Strange" on November 4, 2016.