We’re in that fuzzy, transitional period where a film edges from vapourware status to reality in the evolution of Marvel’s Doctor Strange. With Scott Derrickson confirmed to direct, the casting rumours for the title character have been flying thick and fast, with fingers pointed at various known quantities such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, Jared Leto and, during Comic-Con, Joaquin Phoenix, who was reportedly in early talks. The latest name to add to the list? Jack Huston.
While he may not be as well known as some of those above, Huston’s hardly a newcomer. He’s been paying his dues for several years on screens both big and small, appearing in Boardwalk Empire, Factory Girl, Kill Your Darlings and last year’s American Hustle. He’ll next be seen in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation The Longest Ride and recently won the role of Mr. Wickham in **Pride And Prejudice And Zombies.
Though he might be considered on the young side for the Sorcerer Supreme, he carries the benefit of adaptability and a proven skill for playing both the light and dark sides of characters. In addition, he’s more likely to be able to undertake the sort of multi-film contract Marvel requires of its leads, and he certainly looks the part.
If Huston does end up in the role, he’ll be playing the selfish New York surgeon Stephen Strange, who loses his professional skills when his hands are injured in a car crash. After falling on hard times, he visits a healer in the Himalayas known as The Ancient One, and learns to tap into psychic powers while incidentally becoming a rather less awful person. In recognition of his selfless efforts to thwart evil fellow disciple Baron Mordo, he’s taught the mystical arts and sets out to defeat other shady sorcerers and various villains.
For now, however, keep the rumour klaxon handy because nothing has been decided, let alone officially announced, and especially since the word comes from a site with little reputation for such things.
Oh, and talking of Marvel whispers, Jeremy Renner let slip to Collider that there are “rumblings” about Hawkeye showing up in Captain America 3, which is due in 2016.
When the news broke, Superhero Hype spoke to Winter Soldier** directors Anthony and Joe Russo, who are returning for Steve Rogers’ third solo outing. They were non-committal on the idea, which is hardly surprising given that work on the film’s script is still underway.
“Unfortunately we can’t comment,” Anthony tells the site. “It’s too specific to what the movie may be.” Which in itself is interesting.
And then there’s Joe, who teases, “There are certainly characters that Cap is close to or has a strong relationship with that would make sense appearing in his films. I think that’s all we can say about it.”
So watch this space for more - and let us know what you think about this Strange prospect below!