Jonathan Levine, Pixar's Mark Andrews on Shortlist to Direct 'Doctor Strange'

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has made it no secret that he wants Doctor Strange to be a part of Phase Three, and according to some reports it's already a done deal. Adding a heavy dose of credence to that story is the emergence of a new shortlist of directors that Marvel is seeking to direct the film, including a pair of writers to begin penning the Sorcerer Supreme's adventures.

According to THR, Marvel have set their sights on Mark Andrews, Jonathan Levine, Nikolaj Arcel and Dean Israelite as contenders. Along with that, Jon Aibel and Glenn Berger (Kung Fu Panda) have met to write the script, although producers may be looking for a director who can fill both roles, the same way Shane Black was writer/director on Iron Man 3.

The director shortlist is interesting, to say the least. Andrews has close ties to Disney, having recently directed Pixar's Brave. Arcel directed recent Oscar nominee A Royal Affair, while Israelite is set to make his feature debut on time travel film, Welcome to Yesterday. The most intriguing choice may be Levine, who has shown a propensity for blending genres with films like 50/50 and Warm Bodies.

It's beginning to look like Marvel is holding one of their open release date slots for Doctor Strange. Right now they have May 6th 2016,  July 8th 2016 and May 5th 2017 waiting to be filled.