Marvel Studios’ first feature film foray into the realm of magic is assembling quite possibly their most impressive cast yet. We knewDoctor Strangemight be special when Marvel entered prolonged negotiations withJoaquin Phoenixfor the lead role, and while those talks eventually broke down,Benedict Cumberbatchisn’t too shabby of a consolation prize. The studio and directorScott Derrickson(The Exorcism of Emily Rose) then set about surrounding Cumberbatch with some diverse, exciting choices likeChiwetel Ejiofor,Rachel McAdams,Mads Mikkelsen, and most pleasantly shocking:Tilda Swinton. And they’re not done yet, asTHRnow reports thatMichael Stuhlbargis in negotiations to join the cast.
While you may not recognize the name, you’ve no doubt seen Stuhlbarg’s face. The character actor did swell work on the HBO seriesBoardwalk Empireand lead theCoen BrothersfilmA Serious Man, and he’s no stranger to blockbuster filmmaking having had a key role inMen in Black 3. Most recently, Stuhlbarg was part of the spectacular ensemble ofDanny BoyleandAaron Sorkin’s swell bio-dramaSteve Jobs, filling the role of Andy Hertzfeld. He most recently wrappedDenis Villeneuve’s sci-fi dramaStory of Your Lifeand has a role inDon Cheadle’sMiles DavisbiopicMiles Ahead, butDoctor Strangecertainly marks one of Stuhlbarg’s highest-profile projects to date.
The nature of the actor’s role in the Marvel film is being kept firmly under wraps, althoughThe Wrapreports that he may be playing rival scientist Nicodemus West. Indeed we don’t have too much clarity on who the other actors are playing just yet. Swinton is believed to be filling the role of Cumberbatch’s mentor The Ancient One, with Ejiofor playing friend and eventual foe Baron Mordo. As for McAdams, recent reports suggestshe’ll be playing a Night Nurse, but Mikkelsen’s role is also being kept firmly under wraps.
Stuhlbarg’s casting comes as Derrickson prepares to begin production onDoctor Strangenext month in London, kicking off a race to the film’s July 13, 2025 release date. Expect more casting announcements in the coming weeks as the start-date looms closer.
