After Marvel Studios knocked it out of the park earlier this year with CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, we eagerly await their final film of 2014, which is of course GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. However as always, Marvel are planning extremely far ahead and have already mapped out their next line up of big screen superhero adventures.
With Joss Whedon’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON half way through filming, and ANT-MAN currently in a spot of bother, details are a little bit scarce as to what comes after ‘phase two’ has concluded. We know that CAPTAIN AMERICA 3 will face off against BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE on 6th May 2016, and that a third THOR film will arrive at some point within the next three years, but we didn’t know much else…until now! Horror director Scott Derrickson has been tapped by Marvel Studios to bring their sorcerer supreme to the big screen in DOCTOR STRANGE. Kevin Feige has namedropped Strange for years as a high profile project for the studio, and the character even received a reference in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER.
Although talks are early, an offer will reportedly be made by Marvel shortly. Derrickson has previously directed horror hits such as THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE and SINISTER, as well as the upcoming DELIVER US FROM EVIL starring former HULK Eric Bana. This extremely strange (see what I did there?) choice of director sits comfortably with Marvel’s typical style of hiring relative unknowns to give a unique and fresh take on an established comic character. You can also check out this image tweeted by Derrickson which seemingly confirms the news:
No word on when DOCTOR STRANGE will hit theatres yet but expect to hear an official announcement at San Diego Comic Con next month. A summer 2016 release date seems likely given Marvel’s current pattern of releasing one sequel and one new property every year. Check back with THN for more news on DOCTOR STRANGE as we get it.
