In the world of Marvel’s comic book universe, The Ancient One was a wise and elderly master of the mystic arts who taught Doctor Stephen Strange everything that he knows about magic.
The Ancient One was also a Tibetan man, but his Marvel’s Cinematic Universe counterpart will be neither Tibetan nor a male.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar winning actress Tilda Swinton is in negotiations to play The Ancient One in Doctor Strange. Marvel reportedly had the role in mind for a man before modifying the script to make the character into a woman. If Swinton closes her deal with Marvel then she will be the second official cast member alongside Benedict Cumberbatch.
Related: Benedict Cumberbatch Officially Playing Doctor Strange
The Ancient One is a key figure in Doctor Strange’s backstory. The man who would become Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme originally sought out The Ancient One to selfishly heal the damage in his hands. But Strange quickly became aware of a threat to The Ancient One’s life and he circumvented a personal curse by volunteering to become The Ancient One’s newest student.
Swinton is perhaps best known for her turns in Michael Clayton, Burn After Reading, Only Lovers Left Alive, We Have To Talk About Kevin, and The Chronicles of Narnia films. However, Swinton has also appeared in two comic book movies: Constantine and Snowpiercer.
Scott Derickson will direct Doctor Strange and production is expected to begin production later this year to meet its November 4, 2016 release date.
