'Doctor Strange' Movie Casting Rumors: Marvel Pursuing Chiwetel Ejiofor For Lead Role? [Rumors]

Production seems to be moving steadily for Marvel's upcoming "Doctor Strange," and with Benedict Cumberbatch already in the bag as Dr. Stephen Strange, they are reportedly looking for someone to join him, possibly Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hollywood Reporter claims.

Marvel and a rep for Ejiofor have yet to comment on the matter, but insiders have been taking about a possible collaboration. Reports even have it that talks are already ongoing, though it's still in the early stages.

Still, it spells good news for fans of the actor, who is known for his performance in "12 Years a Slave" for which he was nominated as best actor in the Oscars.

So far, it's unknown what role Ejiofor is being primed for. Some claim that he will be playing either the Ancient One himself or his disciple Baron Mordo, according to Screen Rant.

Comic book fans will probably more familiar with The Ancient One, the mystical, semi-immortal being who served as the current Sorcerer Supreme of this dimension. He eventually became a mentor to Strange, who takes over as the Sorcerer Supreme instead of Baron, who was next in line. Baron's life takes a villainous turn after the event.

Actors such as Bill Nighy, Ken Watanabe and Morgan Freeman have been rumored as contenders for the role of The Ancient One. It's not a far cry to think Ejiofor might take over, especially as it's been deemed likely that the character will appear in the film anyway. Sharp-eyed Marvel fans are well aware that The Ancient One's Eye of Agamotto made a brief cameo in Odin's Vault in the film "Thor."

Some are even claiming that Ejiofor will play Strange's manservant, sidekick and martial artist Wong, a gender-swapped version of Strange's lover and disciple Clea, or Marvel may just possibly create a new character all together, according to AV Club.

Still, it's too early to make the call. Marvel is determined to keep the details about the characters, its cast and the film's plot a secret. Also, Ejiofor might not even accept the offer.

If Ejiofor does jump onboard the project though, this will be his first comic book movie and will also be a reunion of sorts for himself and Cumberbatch, with whom he starred with in "12 Years A Slave."

"Doctor Strange" will be directed by Scott Derrickson and is slated to come out in Nov. 4, 2016. It will tell the story of Doctor Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon who gets into a car accident and then discovers the world of magic and the mystic arts.