Marvel's 'Doctor Strange' Update: Kevin Feige confirms it will be an origin story, dishes on cast and more

Kevin Feige, president of production at Marvel Studios, has confirmed that the new film “Doctor Strange” will be an origin story. He also revealed some interesting information on the characters that Tilda Swinton, Rachel McAdams and Chiwetel Ejiofor are set to play in the film.

During IGN’s promotional event for the “Avengers: Age of Ultron” Blu-ray release, Marvel Studios’ top boss said, "... 'Doctor Strange' has one of the best, most classic, most unique origin stories of any hero we have, so why wouldn’t we do [tell the story of origin] that?"

Feige also said that McAdams’s character will play a big part in introducing the moviegoers to MCU’s magical side. The actress is touted to play Clea, the mistress of the Dark Dimension who will be Doctor Strange’s pupil and love interest when the latter becomes Sorcerer Supreme.

“She plays a very, very big part in the movie and represents a certain point of view of the worlds that we experience in that movie ...," Feige said.

Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton, on the other hand, will play the role of The Ancient One -- a character whose gender will remain ambiguous. The Ancient One has always been portrayed as Asian in comic books. Thus, some concerns were raised by fans regarding the change in ethnicity of the character. In response, Feige pointed out that the change allows Marvel to bypass racial stereotypes. Furthermore, he had previously hinted in an interview with BMD, that the role might be open for recasting since The Ancient One is a title and does not refer to a specific person.

Meanwhile, cast member Chiwetel Ejiofor is rumoured to play the MCU version of Baron Mordo.

"Doctor Strange" is set to start production this November. Jon Spaihts ("Prometheus") has written the script of the film, making significant changes to some of the characters inhabiting the "Doctor Strange" comic world. Scott Derrickson ("The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister") will direct the film.

Doctor Strange is a comic book character created by artist Steve Ditko. The character is a former neurosurgeon and the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats.

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