Chiwetel Ejiofor Eyes 'Doctor Strange' Role

Marvel already has one Oscar nominee headlining Doctor Strange, so why not add one more? According to THR, 12 Years a Slave's Chiwetel Ejiofor is being sought for a lead role in the film, joining star Benedict Cumberbatch.

Talks with Ejiofor are said to be pretty early on, and it's unclear what role he would take. Would he be a villain? Possibly someone like Dormammu? Or maybe Baron Mordo? It could be anybody, but landing an actor of Ejiofor's stature would be another huge feather in Marvel's cap. He's in Park City right now for the premiere of Z for Zachariah  and is bound to get asked about it, so stay tuned. If I see him I'll bumrush him with the question myself.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, Doctor Strange opens November 4th 2016.

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Scott Derrickson Teases Image of Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange

By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth, Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson dropped what appears to be a look at Benedict Cumberbatch as the Marvel superhero. Well, kind of. He tweeted the image yesterday along with the words "Strange but not a stranger", meaning he must be a huge Talking Heads fan. Perhaps the good Doctor will have them on his IPod in the movie?

Clearly this isn't an official look or anything, but it does show Cumberbatch with the Doctor Strange goatee, and he seems to be drifting in the cosmic reaches of space or something. He looks more like Eternity than Doctor Strange, really. Still a pretty cool shot, and it goes to show how excited Derrickson is to bring the Sorcerer Supreme's story to the screen.

Doctor Strange opens November 4th 2016.

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Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe, and Bill Nighy Rumored for 'Doctor Strange' Role

It took Marvel a little while to find their Doctor Strange, but when all was said and done it was Benedict Cumberbatch who won the magical role. Still, we don't know much about the film other than Scott Derrickson is directing from a Jon Spaihts screenplay, but now a rumor has surfaced that sheds some light on who is being sought to play Strange's mentor.

According to Latino Review, Marvel is reaching out to Morgan Freeman, Bill Nighy, and Ken Watanable to play the Ancient One. Born in Tibet some 500 years ago, the Ancient One was the previous Sorcerer Supreme before passing the title on to Strange. He was the mentor to Baron Mordo, Doctor Strange's arch-nemesis and likely to be the villain of the film.

If true, it's nice to see Marvel looking at a diverse group of actors for the role, and all of them have the fatherly/commanding presence to do it. Need an actor to dispense some sage, Yoda-like wisdom? These three can do it. Plus how cool would it be to see Freeman or Watanabe in a Marvel film? And Watanabe already has the look down pat after playing Ra's Al Ghul's decoy in Batman Begins. Hopefully this rumor turns out to be legit. Doctor Strange gets conjured into theaters on November 4th 2016.

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Ryan Reynolds to Return as Deadpool; Benedict Cumberbatch Confirmed for Doctor Strange

Marvel's cinematic tentacles stretch far and wide, to projects they control and even to some they don't. Ryan Reynolds and Benedict Cumberbatch have been circling the roles of Deadpool and Doctor Strange for awhile, years in Reynolds' case, and while it was always expected a deal would get done neither has been made official until now.

First up, Deadline reports Reynolds is signing on to star in 20th Century Fox's forever-developing solo Deadpool film directed by Tim Miller. Reynolds played the character in X-men Origins: Wolverine, but that version of Deadpool barely resembled the comic book. Nicknamed the "Merc with a Mouth",  Deadpool is a fast-talking mercenary known for cracking jokes and brutal efficiency. Stricken with cancer, Deadpool agrees to be part of the Weapon X program (same one that created Wolverine) and gains a healing factor, although it leaves his body and face scarred.  Production on the film is set to begin in March for release on February 12th 2016, so get your chimichangas ready.

And finally Benedict Cumberbatch will don the Eye of Agamotto and star as Doctor Strange, with Marvel finally making the deal official. Scott Derrickson is directing the film about Dr. Stephen Strange, a vain neurosurgeon who loses everything after a car accident and begins training in the mystic arts, ultimately becoming Marvel's "Sorcerer Supreme". Strange is expected to be a key part of Marvel's future plans, which should include the character turning up in Avengers: Infinity War. Doctor Strange opens November 4th 2016.

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Marvel Announces 'Black Panther'; Two-Part 'Avengers: Infinity War'; 'Captain Marvel'; 'Inhumans' and More

This is how you fire back in a big way. After Warner Bros. floored everybody last week by announcing an impressive run of films featuring their stable of DC Comics superheroes, it was up to Marvel to retaliate in kind. And boy, did they ever. Today they held a special press event that was expected to have at least one major announcement, and instead it had about a dozen. Let's just jump right in because this is going to take awhile.

One major complaint has been that Warner Bros. beat Marvel to the punch on female and minority-led solo projects, but that's no longer an issue as they've announced both a Captain Marvel film and one for Black Panther. Captain Marvel, which will indeed be the Carol Danvers version as previously rumored, will open July 6th 2018. Black Panther, who apparently will play a major role in the future, will be played by 42 and Get On Up star, Chadwick Boseman, as many had speculated months back. It's a great pick as Boseman is young, a rising star, athletic, and has the charisma to play the King of Wakanda. That film arrives on November 3rd 2017. Marvel also confirmed Inhumans, which centers on the Royal Family of moon-dwelling aliens led by Black Bolt, for November 2nd 2017. Doctor Strange, which many had thought would arrive in July 2016, will instead appear in theaters on November 4th 2016, with Scott Derrickson directing and presumably Benedict Cumberbatch, although Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige neglected to confirm that yet.

So let's talk about sequels because there are plenty. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 has been shuffled to May 5th 2017, with James Gunn and the original cast all to return. The third Thor film is titled Thor: Ragnarok, hitting theaters on July 28th 2017. So what's a Ragnarok? Well, two different versions of Ragnarok exist. One version is a clone of Thor, designed by Tony Stark, that goes crazy during the Civil War event. The other is the apocalyptic "end of days" for the entire Norse line of heroes, and with Chris Hemsworth's contract expiring soon this could mean Thor's end is approaching. The same goes for Captain America 3, which is now titled Captain America: Civil War, and maintains its May 6th 2016 date. The Civil War storyline, which pits heroes vs. heroes, begins the path to Cap's eventual death. Does that mean it will happen on screen? Is the torch about to be passed to the Winter Soldier or possible Falcon? Only time will tell.

And the big one that confirms previous reports of the third Avengers film being split into two, Marvel announced the two part Avengers: Infinity War, with the first chapter on May 4th 2018 and the next May 3rd 2019. Without going too deep into specifics, it's basically a gigantic war that involves basically the entire Marvel Universe, the villain Thanos, and the all-powerful Infinity Gauntlet. The pieces of the Gauntlet have played a key role in nearly every Marvel film, and this would be the culmination of all of those storylines. It would also be an easy way to incorporate the Guardians of the Galaxy, and possibly bring in other spacebound heroes like Adam Warlock and Nova.

Phew! That's a lot to take in. Best to just sit back and mull all of this over for now, because I suspect Marvel is done with any major news for a very long time. Check out promo art and logos below!

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Benedict Cumberbatch is Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'

With rumors swirling over Marvel's mystery press event tomorrow, today brings some pretty big news on their hunt to find an actor to be their Doctor Strange. Deadline reports that fan-favorite actor Benedict Cumberbatch is close to inking a deal to star in the film, expected to be a major part of the studio's Phase Three plans.

Cumberbatch was just one of numerous names that had been rumored for the role, along with Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto, Tom Hardy, Colin Farrell, and many more. It's not Cumberbatch's first franchise, as he voices the dragon Smaug in The Hobbit movies and starred as Khan in Star Trek into Darkness, but it's the first to truly be his own. And all of this comes at a time when he's seriously being considered as a Best Actor candidate for his role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

In the comics, Dr. Stephen Strange was an arrogant neurosurgeon who lost everything when his hands were crippled. At the lowest point in his life, Strange encounters the Ancient One who teaches him the ways of mysticism, eventually gaining the power to become the "Sorcerer Supreme". Doctor Strange will be directed by Scott Derrickson and is expected to open in 2016, possibly on July 8th although that has yet to be confirmed.

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Colin Farrell Now in the 'Doctor Strange' Mix Alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Keanu Reeves

This is getting pretty ridiculous. At some point Marvel is going to have to decide on someone to play the "Master of the Mystic Arts" Doctor Strange, and what used to be a shortlist of contenders is now longer than the character's cape. What's more, those who were previously ruled out are apparently still in contention, vying for the role alongside the latest addition, Colin Farrell.

The Wrap throws Farrell's name into the Doctor Strange sweepstakes, while adding that long-rumored Benedict Cumberbatch is very much still in the picture. While it also looked like Joaquin Phoenix, who dropped out just a couple of weeks ago, was back in his reps say negotiations are "dead dead dead". Also one of the apparent frontrunners is Keanu Reeves, and he may have the edge as recent rumors have drummed up a ton of fan support. People really want to see Neo as the good Doctor, and they may just get their wish.

Others said to be pursuing the role are Jared Leto, Oscar Isaac, and Justin Theroux, while Ryan Gosling still seems like a longshot. Ewan McGregor seems to be out of the running after being added just a couple of days ago. Doctor Strange is expected to open in 2016, and presumably there wouldn't be any conflicts with Farrell shooting season two of True Detective.

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Ryan Gosling Eyed for 'Doctor Strange' and DC's 'Suicide Squad' Along with Will Smith and Tom Hardy

So far in his career Ryan Gosling has yet to star in a major tentpole film. When he had the chance to star in a potential blockbuster in the Logan's Run remake he backed out, but when it comes to superhero movies he's totally avoided them. That may be about to change, though, as THR says Gosling has been spending some time at the Marvel offices to talk about Doctor Strange, while he's also being courted for roles in Warner Bros.' Suicide Squad and Summit's film on Harry Houdini.

With Joaquin Phoenix having pulled his name out of the running, Marvel has expanded their Doctor Strange search to a series of other A-listers. Ewan McGregor, Matthew McConaughey, and Oscar Isaac are just a few of the names that have emerged recently, and apparently they've met with Gosling about the role, too. Reports are Marvel feels they can get just about anybody for the role which is why they've been approaching actors who, like Phoenix, have mostly stayed away from franchises and long-term contracts. Gosling seems like a long shot for this one, but you never know.

Gosling is also Warner Bros.' pick to lead their newly-confirmed and dated Suicide Squad film, which will be directed by David Ayer for release in 2016. They're aiming pretty high for this one by sending out offers to Will Smith, his Focus co-star Margot Robbie, and Tom Hardy for the antihero film about a team of villains forced to work as expendable black ops agents for the government. Given the recent rumors about the Suicide Squad lineup it's likely they want Gosling for the role of Deadshot or Captain Boomerang and Robbie as Vixen. As for Smith or Hardy? Your guess is as good as mine.

There's also an offer out there for Gosling to star in the forever-developing adaptation of The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero, which Dean Parisot is directing. Johnny Depp had been attached to it briefly but will be busy cranking out a fifth Pirates of the Caribbean. Right now it doesn't seem likely Gosling will take any of these projects. Let's not forget he was close to starring in Green Lantern but made the wise decision to turn it down. He may be looking at that as a sign to steer clear from the genre altogether.

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'Doctor Strange' Shortlist Includes Matthew McConaughey, Oscar Isaac, Jake Gyllenhaal and More

Marvel has a wealth of options any time they're looking to cast for another superhero flick, but finding someone to play Doctor Strange had proven difficult. When Kevin Feige said some time ago that he wanted the character to be his "next Iron Man" he wasn't joking around, and has been seeking out big names for the role. With Joaquin Phoenix dropping out and Ewan McGregor apparently in contention, Variety reports some old names are still in the mix, while some high-profile new ones have entered the picture.

For a time it looked like Jared Leto was the popular choice for Doctor Strange, but that seemed to die out when Phoenix entered negotiations. Leto is apparently still "aggressively pursuing" the role, especially now that Phoenix is out. But Marvel may have their eye on his Dallas Buyers Club co-star, Matthew McConaughey, thinking they can pretty much get anybody they want. It doesn't sound like McConaughey has been made any offers or anything like that, and given his busy schedule it's doubtful he could fit a long-term deal with Marvel in.

Given McGregor's ties to the Star Wars universe it's no surprise Marvel/Disney would be looking at him as a possibility, but one new name also has ties to the galaxy far far away. Oscar Isaac, who many think will play a Jedi in Star Wars: Episode VII, is also on their radar. Would the busy actor be willing to commit to another major franchise for Disney? He'd make for a great, outside-the-box pick for Doctor Strange, but so too would Jake Gyllenhaal and Ethan Hawke, also up for the role. Gyllenhaal, who has been spending time exploring his dark side in Prisoners, Enemy, and Nightcrawler, is said to be "interested" in playing a superhero. He hasn't had a tentpole gig since Prince of Persia, and that didn't tun out so well. As for Hawke, he may have the inside track after working with director Scott Derrickson on Sinister. This isn't the first time his name has come up for the role but he was written off as unlikely, but that was obviously premature.

I guess this means we can count Jack Huston and Edgar Ramirez out? So lots to choose from here, but my money is on McGregor or Gyllenhaal. McGregor has the name recognition and experience, plus he's reasonably young at 43. Gyllenhaal is younger, is also a household name, and has been trying to get into a superhero movie since he almost snagged the Spider-Man role for Sam Raimi years ago. Whoever they choose, Marvel should have Doctor Strange in theaters in 2016.

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Ewan McGregor the Next Rumored for Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'

Ever since Joaquin Phoenix pulled his name out of the running for Marvel's Doctor Strange, there hasn't been much word on who else may be up for it. Presumably the search has begun again from scratch because finally a new name is out there now, and it's someone who hasn't been mentioned before but has a lot of franchise experience.

According to Badass Digest's rumor, Ewan McGregor is being looked at for the film, with the actor reportedly preparing for the part by doing his research on the comics. So that's not really saying much at all, and given the way prior negotiations have gone it's way too early to assume anything. Marvel will be looking to lock him down for one of their (in)famous long-term deals and not every actor is up for that. Plus, McGregor may want to hold out in case he's asked back to play Obi-Wan in a future Star Wars film or something.

Scott Derrickson is lined up to direct Doctor Strange for a possible 2016 release.

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Somebody Other than Joaquin Phoenix will be 'Doctor Strange'

When rumors surfaced, and then were confirmed, that Joaquin Phoenix was Marvel's top choice to play Doctor Strange, it was met with a great deal of excitement. Here is another actor who could do for Marvel what Robert Downey Jr. did for Iron Man and The Avengers. But really, it never quite seemed like the kind of gig Phoenix would be interested in. And apparently he wasn't, because Deadline reports negotiations with Phoenix have come to an end with no deal in place.

This puts Marvel basically back at square one in their search to find someone to play the good Doctor, and it's not as if they don't have a long list of potential candidates. Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jared Leto, and Johnny Depp have been mentioned as possibilities in the past, along with Boardwalk Empire's Jack Huston. One name that was never truly in the mix is Ethan Hawke, despite some reports listing him as a candidate. We may see Marvel go with a younger, rising star like Huston rather than reaching for a bigger, more established name. It's worked for them in the past with Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans, after all.

Scott Derrickson is set to direct Doctor Strange with the expectation it will open on July 8th 2016, although that has not been confirmed.

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Marvel's 'Doctor Strange' Targets U.K. Shoot Next May

Marvel has been keeping any news on Doctor Strange as close to the vest as possible for a film we already knew was happening. It wasn't mentioned once at Comic-Con, which came as a surprise, and other than the hiring of Scott Derrickson as director we don't know much other than the actors circling the title role. And while that casting has yet to be decided (or has it??), we now know when and where Marvel will shoot the Sorcerer Supreme's first big screen adventure.

According to Screen Daily, Marvel is in negotiations to shoot Doctor Strange in London's Pinewood-Shepperton studio in May 2015. This is the same place where Guardians of the Galaxy and next year's Avengers: Age of Ultron were filmed. If that start date holds it's conceivable Scott Derrickson will have it ready by the July 8th 2016 release date many are projecting.

The only question left is who will take on the title role of Dr. Stephen Strange, the neurosurgeon who becomes the heroic master of the mystic arts. The latest reports had Joaquin Phoenix close to inking a deal and this news makes that seem more likely. Marvel wouldn't be moving ahead like this without a star already in place or near to it.

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Joaquin Phoenix May be Close to Signing On as Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'

Back when Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was still in the casting stage, Joaquin Phoenix's name cropped up as a potential Lex Luthor. It would have been his biggest film by far as he's largely veered away from major studio flicks, and perhaps that is one reason why talks fell through. But about a month ago his name emerged for another superhero movie, Marvel's Doctor Strange, and while there are quite a few actors rumored for it appears Phoenix has won out.

According to Collider, Phoenix is in final negotiations to play Doctor Strange for Marvel, news which is both surprising and exciting. Unfortunately it's also unconfirmed, and there are other sources out there saying this is far from a done deal...

Joaquin Phoenix met w/ Marvel this week about Strange, but I feel like he may still balk.
— Devin Faraci (@devincf) August 28, 2014

The sticking point seems to be the multi-picture deal Phoenix would have to sign. He's notoriously choosy about what projects he takes on, and seeing as Doctor Strange is expected to be Marvel's next major solo franchise post-Iron Man it's going to demand a lot of Phoenix's time. This comes on the heels of an apparently erroneous report stating Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire) was a contender for the role.

If he does agree Phoenix would be joining writer/director Scott Derrickson on the film, which many think will open on July 8th 2016 as part of Marvel's "Third Phase"

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Jack Huston May be in the Mix for Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'

Although it hasn't been officially confirmed, and didn't get a single mention at Comic-Con, it's widely accepted that Doctor Strange will be part of Marvel's next phase after Avengers: Age of Ultron. Scott Derrickson (Deliver Us from Evil) is the guy expected to direct the film and a slew of big names have been mentioned as contenders to play the titular Sorcerer Supreme. Now comes word of one more name that may not be the most recognized of the bunch but would fit with Marvel's strategy of casting up 'n coming stars.

According to This is Infamous (serious "grain of salt" time here, folks) Boardwalk Empire and American Hustle's Jack Huston is "definitely in the running" for Doctor Strange, which would be his biggest role to date. Just recently Huston landed one of the lead roles in another major film, the long-developing Pride & Prejudice & Zombies.  Huston has been red hot of late and he certainly has the look of playing a younger Dr. Stephen Strange, which is probably the route Marvel will go if the intention is to build a franchise.  He joins a growing list of candidates that includes Jon Hamm, Tom Hardy, Edgar Ramimrez, Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Many are expecting Doctor Strange to be slotted for July 8th 2016 but no date has officially been nailed down.

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Joaquin Phoenix Up for Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'

Well, it doesn't seem as if Benedict Cumberbatch will be wielding the Eye of Agamotto in Marvel's Doctor Strange. So where does that leave them? Tom Hardy was on the same wish list, and Edgar Ramirez was said to be in line for a role due to his recent work with director Scott Derrickson. But now another name has entered the picture, and it may be the most intriguing one yet.

According to The Wrap, Joaquin Phoenix is being mentioned for the role of Doctor Stephen Strange, Marvel's master of the mystic arts. The film is expected to be announced officially tomorrow during Marvel's panel, although it has been rumored for a couple of years now.

Check Twitter and you'll find some are saying Phoenix has been going around to various shops looking for Doctor Strange comics. Take that with a grain of salt but if true then Marvel has scored a major coup.

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Benedict Cumberbatch Seems to Deny 'Doctor Strange' Rumors

There are always one or two rumors making their way through Comic-Con that fans in attendance hope to see confirmed. Okay, make that one or two hundred. This year's favored piece of scuttlebutt has to do with Benedict Cumberbatch and the chances of him playing Marvel's Doctor Strange. He's been on their wish list for awhile, along with Tom Hardy, but when asked about it by MTV he does a good job of denying it in the most polite way possible.

“As far as I’m aware, even if that was the case, it couldn’t work out because I’m doing a little play called ‘Hamlet’ in London. So I don’t think I could even if that was in the cards. It sounds like a fantastic project. It’s a shame if I miss out, but who knows?”

When pressed a little further he said simply “I couldn’t possibly comment."

So that's a denial, right? Cumberbatch is in town pushing the new Madagascar film so if he wanted to, say, stroll on stage during the Marvel panel tomorrow he could.

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Cinema Royale #68- Transformers: Age of Extinction

Autobots, prepare to roll out! Michael Bay returns for the fourth and possibly his final Transformers movie with Transformers: Age of Extinction! With Dinobots running around and an entirely new cast led by Mark Wahlberg, does Bay go out like explosive energon or like a weak oil slick?

Plus, Cinema Royale will be joined by The X-Factor breakout star Brian "Astro" Bradley to talk about his feature film debut in the fantasy adventure Earth to Echo. All this and news on Star Wars: Episode VII, Doctor Strange, and lots more!

Cinema Royale is part of the Hashtag Studios Broadcast Network and brings you movie reviews and news straight from the Nation's Capital! Go to www.cinemaroyaleshow.com and subscribe, and while there consider signing up for the premium service for more content and to be entered in our monthly prize drawing.

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Scott Derrickson Talking to Edgar Ramirez About 'Doctor Strange' Role

Edgar Ramirez has come a long way since his nearly-silent role opposite Keira Knightley in Domino. His role in the Oliver Assayas' Carlos earned him awards, and he's been a part of some big franchises in Wrath of the Titans and The Bourne Ultimatum. Soon he'll be seen as military leader Simon Bolivar in The Liberator, but before that he'll be seen in Deliver Us From Evil, the upcoming horror from Doctor Strange director, Scott Derrickson. And because of that, Ramirez was obviously going to get asked whether he's got a role in the Marvel movie, to which he responded to IGN like this...

Ramirez: "We're talking. We've been talking," 

Okay, not a lot to go on but it's enough to send the Internet into a tizzy of guesswork. Would it be for the title role? Maybe as one of Doctor Strange's villains? Surely he couldn't play Wong, right?  Oh wait, IGN is already speculating he could be up for bad guy Baron Mordo.  He would actually make for a very interesting and capable Strange, and would fit into Marvel's penchant for casting smaller names to play major characters.

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More 'Ant-Man' Villain Rumors; Kevin Feige Updates on 'Doctor Strange', 'Guardians of the Galaxy', and More

Lots of Marvel stuff to contend with today, some of it on the official side coming straight from Kevin Feige, and another that's a rumor sprung from another rumor. So let's start with the speculative stuff first.

A couple of rumors surfaced yesterday in regards to Ant-Man, and they all had to do with the villain side of things. An extended plot description pegged the bad guys as industrialist Darren Cross and his cousin, William, known as the costumed Crossfire. These are the roles Corey Stoll and Patrick Wilson are said to be taking on. And part of the story also revealed that Cross would sport his own armor, yellow and black but more militarized than the Ant-Man suit. At the time it seemed kind of obvious which armor it could be, but Badass Digest has gone ahead and spelled it out by claiming the villain will be Yellowjacket.

Those who know their Marvel history are no doubt aware that Yellowjacket is one of multiple identities used by Pym, largely due to his mental instability. It was as Yellowjacket that Pym famously abused his wife, Janet van Dyne aka Wasp, which of course was blamed on his disorder. It's unlikely Marvel will EVER show the abusive side of Pym so they should be clear to use Yellowjacket in a slightly different way.

Nothing is ever really confirmed until it comes out of Kevin Feige's mouth, and the Marvel Studios prez had some things to say about Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, and the possibility of more Guardians of the Galaxy while talking with Total Film.

Starting with Ant-Man,  he discussed how the film is taking shape following Edgar Wright's exit and the hiring of Peyton Reed as the new director...

Feige: "Ant-Man is still going to come out on 17 July [2015], we start filming this August. Edgar Wright, who I've known for many years, who wrote the draft with Joe Cornish - much of the movie will still be based very much on that draft and the DNA of what Edgar has created up to this point, but Peyton Reed has stepped in [to direct]...."Adam McKay, a very good writer is reworking parts of the script - not the entirety of the script, but some of it - and it's going to, we believe, come to life in the best version of Ant-Man that we could possibly make. Again Ant-Man is a very important character for us. We like that people don't necessarily know what it is, we like that it sounds sort of strange when you first hear the notion of Ant-Man, or a hero that can shrink, but he's a very key Marvel character: he's a key Avenger. He's an important character we want to bring into our universe and Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and an amazing cast all set to start in August, we believe that we're on the road to the best version of Ant-Man that we could have."

He also gave an update on Doctor Strange, which has Scott Derrickson on board to direct. He also alludes to bringing on a new writer, which is presumably the newly-hired Jon Spaihts....

Feige: "Strange is very, very important, not just because it's an amazing character study, and a journey of a man who's gone from this very arrogant surgeon to somebody who is quite zen and literally keeps all of reality together on a daily basis, but it also is going to open up a whole other side of storytelling for our movies. So we're about to hire a writer to redo a draft, and we think we'll be casting probably in the next month or two, and announcing an actor, and then we get into production in the spring of next year."

Guardians of the Galaxy remains Marvel's riskiest gamble,which is why Feige is taking a "wait and see" approach when talking about sequels, but that doesn't mean he's lacking in ideas...

Feige: "So we don't have, necessarily, two or three or four movies planned because if we have a good idea - a fun idea for a scene or a cool character - we put it in this movie because we know if the first movie doesn't work, there won't be any movies after that...."That being said, there are dozens and dozens of Guardians Of The Galaxy storylines - there's a group that came about in the '60s, they were revamped again in the '80s and they changed into this incarnation that you see in this movie about eight or nine years ago - so there are a lot of other characters and worlds and stories. So should this film work, should the audience come out for this one, there are definitely places we can take it and we have ideas of where we'd like to go with it, but really all the energy goes into the first movie first."

Look for Feige to keep a low profile between now and Comic-Con when the real announcements will be made.

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'Prometheus' Writer Jon Spaihts Rewriting Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'

Even though it's only been recently that Marvel is really moving forward on Doctor Strange, the film has actually in development for a while. The first draft of the script was written by Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer some three years ago, but with so much time having passed Marvel is bringing on Prometheus writer Jon Spaihts to pen a fresh draft.

Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) is reportedly the guy who will be directing Doctor Strange, which is presumed to be a part of Marvel's next phase beginning after Avengers: Age of Ultron. Deadline's story also confirms prior reports of Jared Leto, Tom Hardy, and Benedict Cumberbatch being sought to play Dr. Stephen Strange, a former neurosurgeon who becomes Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme and Master of the Mystic Arts. Basically he's a badass magic dude and should add a hint of the paranormal to Marvel's slate.


Considering Derrickson's screenwriting ability and obvious fondness for horror, it's a little odd Marvel would look elsewhere for a rewrite.

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