‘Doctor Strange’ Cast Update: Mads Mikkelsen in Talks to Play the Villain Opposite Benedict Cumberbatch

By Cheri Cheng - 31 Aug '15 17:01PM

Mads Mikkelsen, from NBC's "Hannibal," is reportedly in talks to play a villain in Marvel's "Doctor Strange."

Deadline reported that even though a contract has not been offered because talks have been in the very early stages, the 49-year-old actor "is but one of a number of actors being considered for the unspecified villainous role."

Mikkelsen was originally linked to another Marvel movie, "Thor: The Dark World," a few years ago. At the time, Mikkelsen was being eyed to play the villain, Malekith the Accursed, but the contract fell through. Now, he will have another opportunity to join the Marvel film world.

Mikkelsen, who plays antagonist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, knows how to play the villain well. His past work as an antagonist includes Le Chiffre "Casino Royale" and Rochefort in "The Three Musketeers." He is set to star as one of the good guys in "Star Wars: Rogue One."

If Mikkelsen signs on to the project, he could be playing Dormammu, the master of dark magic and Lord of Chaos. Other villains that he could play include Blackout, Nightmare, D'Spayre and Mephisto.

"Doctor Strange" will star Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Vincent Strange, Tilda Swinton as Strange's mentor, the Ancient One and Chiwetel Ejofor as Baron Mordo, who becomes Strange's archrival later on in the comics.

The female lead has not been casted yet. However, "True Detective" actress, Rachel McAdams was rumored to be in talks for a role in the movie.

Production for "Doctor Strange," which will be directed by Scott Derrickson, is expected to start in November. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on Nov. 4, 2016.