With Hannibal wrapping things up purportedly for good (unless another network comes to its rescue), it appears that its stars are free to pursue other projects. We already know Mads Mikkelsen is starring in the upcoming Star Wars: Rogue One and now we have word of another major project for the acclaimed Danish actor.
Variety reports that Mikkelsen in early talks to take on a villainous role in Marvel’s upcoming Doctor Strange. He would join the already announced Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character, a skilled surgeon who loses the use of his hands in a freak accident and turns to the world of magic and other dimensions to heal himself.
Also announced is Tilda Swinton as mentor “The Ancient One” (switching up genders from the comic book) and Chiwetel Ejiofor as a friend-turned-foe Baron Mordo. This then means that it’s another comic book movie with multiple villains; historically that hasn’t always worked out so well but in Marvel we trust and, of course, we don’t know the nature of Mikkelsen’s character. No official offer has been made to him quite yet but it’s expected very soon (watch this space).
Interestingly, this isn’t an out of the blue interest in an actor from the studio – it could be perceived they’re just jumping on the bandwagon now that everyone loves him for Hannibal in particular – as they were actually eyeing him for the role of Thor: The Dark World villain Malekith. Mikkelsen got the role on the cannibalistic TV show and thus was no longer available so Marvel cast Christopher Eccleston instead.
Doctor Strange is being directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister) and is written by Jon Spaihts (Prometheus). It’s set to start filming later this year for a November 4th, 2016 release date.
Source: Variety
