It’s one of Marvel’s worst-kept secrets – Doctor Strange will eventually head to cinema screens after plenty of rumours and speculation. And it looks as though we may finally have a release date…
According to the folks at Screen Daily, Marvel Studios is really coming along when it comes to Doctor Strange and we could see filming kick off by the end of the year.
“Marvel Studios is in advanced negotiations to shoot upcoming superhero film Doctor Strange at Pinewood-Shepperton,” they explain. “Preparations on the ground are already in motion with crew being assembled for a move into Shepperton in late 2014/early 2015.”
Now that the Marvel juggernaut is a dab hand at turning around your favourite superhero movies, it’s suggested that we could see the finished product on our screens by as early as 2016.
“A tentative shoot date has been mooted for May 2015,” they explain, “with Marvel having reportedly dated the film’s release for July 8, 2016.”
Marvel movie fans will know that there are already a number of un-named movies slated up until 2019… and while we’re still none-the-wiser about most of those, it’s been assumed for some time that the 8 July 2016 slot would be taken by Doctor Strange.
It comes as little surprise so far… but I get the feeling that this Marvel tent pole is going to be anything but ordinary.
Of course, it’s no secret that Insidious director Scott Derrickson has been hand-picked to kick off Marvel’s foray into the supernatural… and with the introduction of Earth’s very own Sorcerer Supreme, it looks as though Marvel is keen to capitalise on every aspect of their wide-reaching comic book universe.
Doctor Strange will take Marvel in yet-another new direction, telling the story of a neurosurgeon whose career is blighted by a terrible injury… but is soon able to put that all behind him when he becomes a master of magic and sorcery. An interesting concept that certainly puts the ‘science vs faith’ debate on a more personal level. And as always, it’s likely to be a huge hit for the ever-successful studio.
But who will appear in the title role?
Oscar-nominee Joaquim Pheonix has been linked to the role on a number of occasions, and he’s still rumoured to be closing in on a deal. But with names such as Jared Leto in the mix (and even Benedict Cumberbatch) it seems there are plenty of ways this could go.
Although the movie still hasn’t been officially announced by Marvel, director Scott Derrickson has made numerous references to the movie in interviews and has even gone on record discussing how he intends to approach the film.
But for now, the subject of who will play Doctor Strange remains a mystery.
Are you looking forward to Doctor Strange? Who would you like to see play Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
