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Doctor Strange: Tilda Swinton Confirms Role As The Ancient One

By Steve Lam

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Via Screencrush, we have news that Tilda Swinton has confirmed that she will play the role of The Ancient One in Doctor Strange.  Swinton herself revealed the casting after Mike Sampson of Screencrush asked her if she was still in talks with Marvel Studios for the role.

"No no no, it’s done. We’re so far in talks that we’re not talking any more [laughs]. It’s done. The conversation has been had."

When asked about what attracted her to the role, Swinton said she liked the premise.

"Well, there’s no particular interest in getting into something bigger, or even smaller, I just really liked the premise of this and the idea of playing this character. I’m a Marvel fan and I think this particular world that Doctor Strange goes into is really, really, really exciting. I’m really interested as both an actor and a fan to see what’s done in this particular world. It’s all about creativity. It’s not about everything exploding at the end. It’s about something very different. The idea of playing The Ancient One is really just too tickling. I can’t say no to that!"

To read the full interview with Tilda Swinton, visit Screencrush.

Original actors eyed for the role of The Ancient One were Morgan Freeman, Bill Nighy, and, Ken Watanabe.  It wasn’t until December 2014 that Tilda Swinton was named as a contender.  Due to The Ancient One being a male character in the comics, fans were surprised that the studio was considering a female for the role.

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, The Ancient One made his first appearance in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963).  The Ancient One, born in Kamar-Taj, Tibet, originally learned about magic 500 years ago as a youth from his friend, Kaluu.  The two later became enemies when Kaluu wanted to use magic for his own self-serving needs.

The Ancient One is later sought out by Dr. Stephen Strange who wanted the old sorcerer to help him heal his nerve damage due to a car accident.  Initially refusing to teach Strange his mystic powers due to Strange’s selfishness, the Ancient One has a change of heart when Strange saves him from being murdered.

Doctor Strange will be in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is set for a release date of November 4, 2016.  The film will be directed by Scott Derrickson, and written by Thomas Dean Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, and Jon Spaihts.  Current confirmed cast members are Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange / Doctor Strange, Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo.

Next: Doctor Strange - Rachel McAdams offered female lead role

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