Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) faces the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). (Photo : YouTube / Marvel Entertainment)
Mads Mikkelsen appeared in the upcoming Marvel film's "Doctor Strange" trailer, sporting a gray makeup around his eyes but it was unclear what character he would be playing. The answer has been found, thanks to the movie-prequel comic published by Marvel on July 6, Wednesday, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe continuity, instead of the conventional Marvel Comics universe.
The "Doctor Strange" prequel comic seemed to confirm that Mikkelsen will act as Kaecilius, a minor villain in the comics. He is a sorcerer who serves as Baron Mordo's (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor in the movie) servant at times. The character first appeared in "Doctor Strange" in 1965.
The prequel comic of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has the Hannibal actor's character working alongside Benedict Wong's character Wong. In the comic book, "Masters of the Mystic Arts" Wong, Tina Minoru, Daniel Drumm and Kaecilius chase down a woman who had stolen an ancient relic Eye of Agamotto from the British Museum. The relic has the power to harness darkness and swallow light.
Kaecilius dispatched himself, was defeated and returned with full might to take her down, according to Comicbook. He looks a bit weary, with her long hair pulled back, in an orangish dress with a big ornamental belt with some kind of rope attached to it. He is the only one among the Masters who does not use the same kind of staff for a weapon - he uses two small, weighted Scythe daggers.
Kaecilius seems like a good guy at the start before becoming the villain. Though his eyes seem fine-looking, he is a bit impetuous and prideful, something that may lead him to the dark side.
In the two-part prequel comics drawn by Jorge Fornes and penned by Will Corona Pilgrim, "Master of the Mystic Arts" is a title often used throughout Kaecilius' history. The prequel reveals backstories of other characters as well, like Wong's and Tilda Swinton's Ancient One.
Nonetheless, Kaecilius could possibly be a placeholder only to avoid spoiling the film, considering on-set photos. In that case, the villain in the story could also be Strange's other dimensional nemesis, Dormammu, according to Digital Spy.
"Doctor Strange" will be in theaters on Oct. 28 in the United Kingdom and on Nov. 4 in the United States. It also stars Rachel McAdams and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Watch the trailer below.
