Tilda Swinton to Play A Major Role in Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'
Tilda Swinton is reportedly in talks to portray a Tibetan mystic in Marvel's "Doctor Strange."
Oscar winner Swinton is currently in negotiations to play the Ancient One, Doctor Strange's mentor in the Marvel movie of the same name.
The British actress will be co-starring opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, who signed on late last year to portray the title role of a former neurosurgeon-turned-Supreme Sorcerer and earth protector against mystical and magical threats.
The "Only Lovers Left Alive" actress will be playing an androgynous role as Tibetan mystic, the Ancient One, traditionally a male character in the Marvel Comics. While Marvel Studios initially sought out a male actor for the Ancient One, they have since rethought the role and made the cinematic version female instead, a move which Cinemablend writes may spark huge controversy among Doctor Strange comics fans.
In the comics version, the Ancient One trains students to assume the responsibility of the next sorcerer supreme. Cumberbatch, who plays Stephen Strange, is an overconfident former surgeon who has lost the use of his hands and is in danger of losing his career, until he discovers magic in an effort to try to heal himself.
The Ancient One eventually serves as mentor, adviser and spiritual guide to the newly reincarnated title character.
Swinton, 54, is perhaps best known for playing the Snow Queen in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series. She also starred in "The Beach" opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, "Burn After Reading," and "The Grand Budapest Hotel." She also had an androgynous role as the archangel Gabriel in "Constantine," In 2007, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a lawyer in "Michael Clayton."
She will soon be appearing with Amy Schumer in the Judd Apatow comedy, "Trainwreck."
"Doctor Strange," Marvel Cinematic Universe's twelfth installment, is scheduled to hit North American theaters in November 4, 2016.