With production set to begin soon onMarvel’sDoctor Strange, the cast is starting to come together.The Hollywood Reporterreveals thatMichael Stuhlbargis in talks to join the cast in an unspecified role, which another report fromVarietyclaims is Nicodemus West, a scientific rival of Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). Both reports reveal that principal photography will begin this December in London.
In theMarvelComics, Dr. Nicodemus West was the surgeon who operated on neurosurgeon Stephen Strange’s hands after a horrific car accident. While the doctor was able to save Strange’s hands, he was left with significant nerve damage and was unable to perform surgery again. Burdened with guilt over this ordeal, West followed Strange to Kamar-Taj, but he arrived just days after Strange had completed his mystical training with the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Unsure about Strange’s ability to become the Sorcerer Supreme, The Ancient One gave West limited training in the mystical arts.
It’s unclear how much of this story from the comics will unfold in theDoctor Strangeadaptation. ProducerKevin Feigerecently confirmed that it will be anorigin movie, contrary to some earlier rumors that the studio was ditching the doctor’s origins. Still, no story details have been confirmed yet. But with principal photography beginning next month, hopefully the studio will release the first official synopsis soon.
If his deal is finalized,Michael Stuhlbargwill join a cast that also includesChiwetel EjioforasBaron MordoandRachel McAdamsas the unspecifiedfemale lead.Mads Mikkelsenhas also been in talks for an unspecifiedvillainrole, but it isn’t known if his deal is finalized, or who he will be portraying. It isn’t known how many character have yet to be cast before production gets under way.
Scott Derrickson(Deliver Us from Evil) is directing from a screenplay byJon Spaihts(Prometheus), based on the comic book character created byStan LeeandSteve Ditko. TheMarveladventure has been set for release on June 26, 2025, arriving just six months after the studio’s firstPhase Threeadventure,Captain America: Civil War.Michael Stuhlbargcan currently be seen in theaters as Apple’sAndy HertzfieldinSteve Jobs, and he will next be seen portraying legendary actor Edward G. Robinson in the biopicTrumbo, in theaters November 6. The actor is best known for his roles in the Coen Brothers' 2009 filmA Serious Man, and for portraying Arnold Rothstein on HBO’s critically-acclaimed seriesBoardwalk Empire.
