14 DAY TRIAL // Marvel Studios’ “Dr. Strange” just got a whole lot more interesting - and possibly more controversial as well, for the fans of the original comics. Word is out that the studio is considering gender-swapping a major character in the story, for the big screen adaptation that is coming out on November 4, 2016.
And they want the talented Tilda Swinton for it, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The actress is currently in negotiations for the role of Ancient One, who, in the comics, is male. Ancient One is the Tibetan mystic who helps Dr. Strange after his accident that costs him the use of both hands, training him to become a sorcerer.
The report notes that the studio was initially in the market for a male actor, but they eventually decided that Tilda was a much better fit. Even though her involvement is yet to be confirmed, because the source of the story is THR, it’s taken as a given.
At the same time, this surprising development is hailed as a much-needed and long-awaited step towards more onscreen diversity. However, probably fans of the original comics don’t feel the same kind of excitement, seeing how they never like it when the story gets changed in the transition from paper to the big screen.
“Dr. Strange” is directed by Scott Derrickson, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is also rumored to appear in it.