DOCTOR STRANGE (2016): Tilda Swinton Confirmed as The Ancient One

Tilda Swinton officially cast as mentor to Doctor Strange. Tilda Swinton has confirmed her addition to the cast of Doctor Strange, in an interview for Screencrush. She will be playing the role of The Ancient One, mentor to Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch).

The Tilda Swinton Screencrush interview:

Is your Doctor Strange deal done, or are you still in talks with Marvel?

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.

What was it specifically about Doctor Strange that intrigued you?

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 a Marvel fan and I think this particular world that Doctor Strange goes 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!

Besides the obvious, how will your portrayal of The Ancient One differ from what we might be used to?

You know, I don’t know yet. I haven’t quite figured it out. I will let you know when I know. It’s a bit of an adventure to figure out how to finesse this. But it’s exciting.

Marvel contracts are notorious for multiple sequel clauses. Did that ever worry you?

Not at all. 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.

Some of your contemporaries have described working on these types of movie as a very difficult process —

Who said that?

Idris Elba, for one, said that about the Thor movies.

Really? Oh… I’m up for it completely. I feel sorry for Idris. I’m not prepared at all to be bored by this. I’m really looking forward to it.

When word first broke, that she was in talks to star in Doctor Strange, one initial speculation was that she would play the role of Death. Not an unreasonable assumption, as the character of Death would provide a ready link to Thanos’ role in the overall MCU scheme of things; but it also underscored her being ruled out as Yao, The Ancient One.

See the resemblance? Me neither.

As versatile as her roles have been (be honest – did you recognize her in Snowpiercer?), and despite her comic cred (one of the better things to come of the Constantine film), Tilda Swinton is neither male, ancient, nor Tibetan. However….

This shot, from Only Lovers Left Alive, does give off a certain ‘ancient mystic’ vibe, though.

Before you invoke Emma Stone Aloha outrage, consider that the power of The Ancient One may be such as to project an image relative to its beholder. Consider that, in the event Benedict Cumberbatch does not pit his famous voice against an American accent, The Ancient One may be projecting a form more relatable to Dr. Strange’s English sensibilities. Consider how placing a woman between the principal rivals, Strange & Baron Mordo (currently rumored to be played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), could affect the overall dynamic. If all else fails (because this is all actually wishful thinking, on my part – and my crossed fingers are cramping), at least consider the gravitas Tilda Swinton brings to her roles, and take it from there.

Who knows – we may even be graced by a peek at the definitive (ancient Tibetan) article, at some point (I got blisters on me fingers!)….

Leave your thoughts on Tilda Swinton’s casting, for Doctor Strange, in the comments section, below. For more Doctor Strange news and developments, visit our Doctor Strange Page, subscribe to us by Email, “follow” us on Twitter,Tumblr, Google+ or “like” us on Facebook. Doctor Strange is scheduled to release in theaters November 4, 2016.

Source: Screencrush