Doctor Strange: The Actors Who Almost Played The Ancient One

Doctor Strange’s portrayal of the Ancient One was met with a lot of criticism as it’s far from the version in the comic books. The role was played by Tilda Swinton, but before she was cast, there were other big names considered for it. In over 10 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought various characters from Marvel Comics to the big screen, and through them, it has explored other planets and realms beyond Earth and the physical world. A good example of that is Doctor Strange, which took viewers to other realms that can only be accessed through some mystical abilities.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, Doctor Strange told the origin story of the title hero: neurosurgeon Stephen Strange, who after a car accident that left his hands severely injured, went on a journey to find a cure. This took him to Kamar-Taj, where he met Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and the Ancient One, who made him see that his hands weren’t the problem. After some hesitation, the Ancient One agreed to take Stephen Strange in as apprentice, and thus he became a master of the Mystic Arts. Although the movie was well-received by critics and viewers, it received backlash even before it came out for casting Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One, a character that in the comics is a Tibetan man.

The team behind Doctor Strange justified their decision to change the Ancient One by explaining that Ancient One and Sorcerer Supreme are titles held by multiple characters through time, so anyone could play them. The Ancient One in Doctor Strange was going to be controversial no matter what, as the actors considered for the role would have been criticized for it one way or another.

Doctor Strange: Morgan Freeman & Bill Nighy Almost Played The Ancient One

Before Tilda Swinton signed to play the Ancient One in Doctor Strange, there were other actors considered for the role. Morgan Freeman was one of those, and this particular choice doesn’t really come as a surprise. The Ancient One seems like a role that fits Morgan Freeman’s style, and it goes without saying that had he agreed to play the role, he would have also been heavily criticized for it. The same year Doctor Strange was released, Freeman appeared in three movies – London Has Fallen, Now You See Me 2, and Ben-Hur – so passing on the role of the Ancient One wasn’t a big loss for him.

Another name on the list was Ken Watanabe, who is best known for his roles in Memoirs of a Geisha, Batman Begins, and Inception. Though he’s not as popular as Morgan Freeman, Watanabe has been part of various movies since Doctor Strange came out, most notably Isle of Dogs, Detective Pikachu, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Last but not least is Bill Nighy, perhaps the weirdest yet interesting name on the list. Nighy has managed to stay away from the world of superheroes, and though he would have been a one-of-a-kind Ancient One, not joining the MCU hasn’t really affected his career. Among Nighy’s most notable projects since Doctor Strange was released are Detective Pikachu, Emma, and Castlevania.

Doctor Strange’s version of the Ancient One was meant to be controversial, no matter who played it, as the writers weren’t looking to fit the character from the comic books. Ultimately, Tilda Swinton’s performance was very well-received, and as she died in the first movie, it remains to be seen if she will return somehow in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

About The Author

Adrienne Tyler
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Adrienne Tyler is a features writer for Screen Rant. She is an Audiovisual Communication graduate who wanted to be a filmmaker, but life had other plans (and it turned out great). Prior to Screen Rant, she wrote for Pop Wrapped, 4 Your Excitement (4YE), and D20Crit, where she was also a regular guest at Netfreaks podcast. She was also a contributor for FanSided’s BamSmackPow and 1428 Elm. Adrienne is very into films and she enjoys a bit of everything: from superhero films to heartbreaking dramas, to low-budget horror films. Every time she manages to commit to a TV show without getting bored, an angel gets its wings.

When she’s not writing, you can find her trying to learn a new language, watching hockey (go Avs!), or wondering what life would have been like had Pushing Daisies, Firefly, and Limitless not been cancelled. Breakfast food is life and coffee is what makes the world go round.

Guillermo del Toro said “hi” to her once. It was great.

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