Marvel's "Doctor Strange" filmmakers are considering Tilda Swinton to play a role alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in the upcoming adaptation. The role was originally a male character in the comic books.
Swinton is in talks for the role of a Tibetan mystic guide, the Ancient One, who mentors Dr. Strange (Cumberbatch) in the art of sorcery, Entertainment Weekly reported.
Dr. Strange was an egotistical ex-surgeon, who stumbled upon magic while trying to regain the use of his hands after a bad car accident. In his quest, het met the Ancient One who guided students to become a Sorcerer Supreme.
Marvel initially looked for a male actor for the character. Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe, and Chiwetel Ejiofor were reportedly among those considered for the role.
They reconsidered and decided a female should fit the character better in the adaptation. Marvel, however, did not confirm the report, The Hollywood Reporter said.
If Swinton gets the project, this would not be the first time she is playing a male character. In 2005, she starred as the androgynous angel Gabriel in "Constantine", the movie adaptation of DC Entertainment's comic book.
Meanwhile, the Oscar winning British actress will appear in the comedy "Trainwreck" with Amy Schumer this year. Last year, she played distinct roles in four different films: "The Grand Budapest Hotel", "Only Lovers Left Alive", "The Zero Theorem", and "Snowpiercer".
"Doctor Strange", to be produced by Kevin Feige, will start shooting in November under the direction of Scott Derrickson. It is scheduled for theatrical release on Nov. 4, 2016.