It seems that every day, a new frontrunner for DOCTOR STRANGE emerges. For a while, it was Joaquin Phoenix. This past week, we were hearing rumors about Keanu Reeves (which he basically responded by saying, "Who is Doctor Strange?"). And now, Devin Faraci over at Badass Digest is relaying the latest word on the street: that Ewan McGregor is the guy Marvel wants as their Sorcerer Supreme.
Devin says that McGregor is "prepping for the role - doing the usual research actors do when looking at taking on an adaptation or existing character," and that the powers-that-be (read: Feige, Derrickson, & co.) are "looking at him."
Even if this is completely unfounded (which I'd wager it's not), it seems evident that they want a reputable, 40-ish actor with both geek cred and industry respectability to play Stephen Strange, and Ewan certainly fits that bill. The dude broke out as an indie darling with flicks like SHALLOW GRAVE, TRAINSPOTTING, and VELVET GOLDMINE, but obviously he became internationally recognizable for playing "young Alec Guiness" in those sci-fi kids movies from a decade back.
Plus, despite his massive level of fame, Ewan hasn't had a big hit in a while: you'd have to go back to '09s ANGELS & DEMONS for his last $100 million+ grosser, and that's more of a Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon jam anyway (though, to be fair, he has appeared in handful of successful indies since, like BEGINNERS and THE IMPOSSIBLE). This is a huge advantage in Marvel's favor, because they can lock Mr. McGregor away for like five films without worrying about having to pay him the moon to do it (like they have begrudgingly been willing to do for Downey).
On top of everything else, McGregor is a hell of an actor, and could probably slip into the role more seamlessly than Joaquin Phoenix or Keanu.
How do you feel about this, true believers? Is this an intriguing possibility, or should Renton stay in the the worst toilet in Scotland where he belongs?
DOCTOR STRANGE passes the board exam on July 8th, 2016.
