Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams and Mads Mikkelsen attend the fan screening event for 'Doctor Strange' on October 24, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo : GETTY IMAGES/ Dave Hogan)
Before Marvel Studios picked Benedict Cumberbatch to play the titular role of "Doctor Strange" for its second theatrical release, actors like Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto, Ethan Hawke, Keanu Reeves and Ryan Gosling were also in the running to portray the arrogant neurosurgeon. Recently, a concept artist offered a glimpse of what it might have been like to have Ryan Gosling as The Sorcerer Supreme.
Created by concept artist Court Chu, the concept photos of the actor wearing the cape of Doctor Strange were first shared by Comicbook from the art blog of Chu. The two art pieces were reportedly created when Marvel Studios was in hopes of landing Ryan Gosling as Doctor Strange.
The first art piece looks more in line with the design of Doctor Strange's actual wardrobe in the film, while the other one features a texture that is more in line with a typical superhero suit. In her post, Chu noted, "I worked probably not even a day on some version of Doctor Strange years ago, and back then they wanted Gosling."
According to Chu, Marvel was serious enough back then to have commissioned a concept art that would envision Gosling in the role. However, the desire to have the actor star in the film proved short-lived when the studio ended up circling back around to one of their top choices--Benedict Cumberbatch.
Cumberbatch did not commit to do the role the first time Marvel approached him due to his busy schedule performing "Hamlet" in London, Collider reported. When Phoenix walked away, Marvel opted to move the shooting schedule of "Doctor Strange" to accommodate him.
While Ryan Gosling's decision to take a different route worked out alright, Collider noted that he could have offered something truly refreshing had he taken the role. When news about Gosling being tapped to do "Doctor Strange" came out in 2014, he was also being eyed for Warner Bros.' "Suicide Squad." Ultimately, he chose to commit to "La La Land" and "Blade Runner 2049" instead.
"Doctor Strange" will be available on Digital HD on Feb. 14 and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on Feb. 28.
Watch the official trailer for "Doctor Strange" here:
