Morgan Freeman Eyed For Doctor Strange Role?

After officially casting Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, it looks as though Marvel is casting its net further afield for the role of the Ancient One.

It’s perhaps one of the most anticipated movies in Marvel’s upcoming slate… and ‘Doctor Strange’ has finally found its Sorcerer Supreme. But now the search is on for the rest of the cast, and it looks as though the Ancient One will be rearing his head.

But who will play this ancient sorcerer? It looks as though Morgan Freeman might be in the running…

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According to the Latino Review, Marvel is currently looking to cast the Ancient One – a powerful sorcerer who teaches Doctor Strange the magical arts. And the shortlist is a rather peculiar one…

“I’m hearing from multiple sources that Morgan Freeman, Bill Nighy and Ken Watanabe have been approached for the role of The Ancient One in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’, which is scheduled to hit theaters November 4, 2016.”

Of course, these three contenders couldn’t be more different… but perhaps that’s the point. Traditionally, the Ancient One is depicted as a wizened, old Asian gentleman. But it seems that Marvel may be forgoing this rather dated origin in favour of an actor with more presence.

“It is unclear how much of a big role The Ancient One will play since it’s been said that there will be no origin story in the film,” they explain. “For those of you who don’t know who The Ancient One is, he’s the mentor of Doctor Strange, the previous ‘Sorcerer Supreme’, and - in the comics - ends up training and rejecting Mordo, a character heavily rumored to be the villain in Marvel’s adaptation.”

Obviously, the fact that the Ancient one appears at all seems to suggest that ‘Doctor Strange’ will delve into the characters origins to some degree… but perhaps not as directly as in other comic book movies.

But which of these actors will land the prestigious role?

I can’t help thinking that Ken Watanabe would really fit the bill if they’re looking for a more classic depiction of the character… and after seeing him in full ageing make-up in ‘Inception’ I just can’t shake the feeling that he’s perfect for the role.

But will Marvel take the character in an entirely different direction? For now, we’ll have to wait and see.

‘Doctor Strange’ heads to cinemas on 4 November 2016.

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Picture Credit: Marvel/WENN