Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe and Bill Nighy competing for Doctor Strange role?

Having finally confirmed the casting of Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, it seems as though Marvel is pressing on with its recruitment drive for Doctor Strange, with three big names in contention for a major supporting role.

According to Latino Review, the next role Marvel is looking to fill is that of The Ancient One, with Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe and Bill Nighy all said to be in contention.

The report claims that the studio has been in touch with all three actors, with no indication having been given as to which of the trio is the current favourite…

For those unfamiliar with the comic-books, The Ancient One is the former “Sorcerer Supreme” who becomes Doctor Strange’s mentor, helping him to harness his newly acquired powers.

The character also served as a mentor to the villainous Baron Karl Mordo, who is widely expected to be the film’s Big Bad, although nothing to that effect has been confirmed as yet.

Directed by Scott Derrickson from a script by John Spaihts, Doctor Strange will open in the US on 4 November 2016, with a UK date yet to be announced.

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.