Back in May, we reported that Oscar-winning actressTilda Swintonis in talks to playThe Ancient OneinMarvel’sPhase ThreeadventureDoctor Strange, but it was never confirmed if she finalized her deal or not. While doing press for her summer comedyTrainwreck, in theaters this weekend, the actress confirmed that it’s a done deal. Here’s what she had to say, in an interview withScreen Crush.
“No no no, it’s done. We’re so far in talks that we’re not talking any more [laughs]. It’s done. The conversation has been had.”
Over the last few years,Marvelhas managed to land Oscar winners and cinematic legends such asRobert Redford(Captain America: The Winter Soldier) andGlenn Close(Guardians of the Galaxy) to star in their blockbusters, withTilda Swintonfollowing in that tradition. The actress has previously starred in comic book movies such asConstantineand last year’sSnowpiercer, but this will be her firstMarvelmovie. When asked if there was something specific aboutDoctor Strangethat intrigued her, the actress had this to say.
“Well, there’s no particular interest in getting into something bigger, or even smaller, I just really liked the premise of this and the idea of playing this character. I’m aMarvelfan and I think this particular world thatDoctor Strangegoes into is really, really, really exciting. I’m really interested as both an actor and a fan to see what’s done in this particular world. It’s all about creativity. It’s not about everything exploding at the end. It’s about something very different. The idea of playing The Ancient One is really just too tickling. I can’t say no to that!”
In the comics, The Ancient One is typically portrayed as a male Tibetan monk who becomes Stephen Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) mentor, as he starts his path to becoming the Sorcerer Supreme. The studio was previously searching for male actors, but decided onTilda Swinton, after re-thinking the role. The actress added that she isn’t sure how her version of the character will be different than previous incarnations, but she did add that she was never worried aboutMarvel’s typical practice of locking actors down to multiple-movie contracts.
“It’s like a family thing. Who knows where one might pop up. I don’t know where they’ll use me and I don’t know that they know, necessarily, even though they seem to know what they’re doing for the next decade. I think it’s like holding on to the tail of a galloping horse at this point. I’m up for it completely. I’m not prepared at all to be bored by this. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Scott Derrickson(Deliver Us from Evil) is directingDoctor Strangefrom a screenplay byJon Spaihts(Prometheus), withKevin Feigeproducing.Chiwetel Ejioforwas recently confirmed asBaron Mordoin thesuperhero movie. Are you excited to seeTilda Swintonplay The Ancient One?
