One of the projects that Marvel Studios have been developing for some time is
Doctor Strange, which would explore the magical side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Last year, we heard that screenwriters Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer (who previously scripted the horrid 2011 remake of
Conan The Barbarian) turned in a draft for the film adaptation, and Marvel were putting together a directors short list. However, we haven't heard any potential candidates beyond
Hellboy's Guillermo del Toro (it's unlikely that he'll direct the project, at least any time soon). It's assumed that the Sorcerer Supreme will be getting his own film in Marvel's Phase Three, which will follow 2015's
The Avengers 2. And just yesterday, we heard a rumor suggesting that Stephen Strange will make an appearance in next year's
Thor: The Dark World.
To bring
Dr. Strange to the big screen in style, Marvel should hire a director who not only can direct a visually appealing fantasy film, but also develop the movie's characters properly. Below, I've listed six directors who I think can do just that.
Alex Proyas
The Crow
I previously had Proyas on my directors list for Warner Bros.'
Justice League movie, but after some consideration, I figure that he would be a much better fit for a smaller project like
Doctor Strange. The director is no stranger to stylized science fiction/fantasy movies (
I, Robot,
Knowing), and also has some experience in the comic book movie genre after helming the critically acclaimed adaptation
The Crow. Proyas' directorial style could fit very well with
Dr. Strange. It's a shame that his planned take on
Paradise Lost has been scrapped.
Gary Ross
The Hunger Games
After watching the surprisingly solid adaptation of
The Hunger Games, I knew that Ross had to direct a CBM in the near future. He was actually once attached to helm Sony Pictures' planned
Venom spin-off (
Chronicle's Josh Trank was recently reported to be in talks for that gig), but I think he'd be a better fit for the Sorcerer Supreme. In addition to his character development, Ross can also direct CGI-heavy films quite easily. He'll soon direct the fantasy film
Peter And The Starcatchers, which will probably even further qualify him for
Dr. Strange.
Kenneth Branagh
Thor
Yes, he already directed Marvel's
Thor, but I wouldn't mind seeing Branagh take on another one of the studio's mystical characters. Despite not being able to helm
Thor: The Dark World, he seemingly still has a good relationship with Marvel. So if they wanted to work with the actor/director (who's currently filming Paramount's
Jack Ryan reboot) again in the future, Branagh would be an excellent fit for
Dr. Strange. He can direct visuals wonderfully, and doesn't shy away from making the viewers feel for the characters.
Alfonso Cuaron
Children Of Men
Cuaron is pretty much an ideal choice to helm
Dr. Strange. While accustomed to directing darker movies, he also has experience with fantasy films with
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, commonly considered one of the better installments in the highly successful series. If Cuaron can make
Doctor Strange with a similar scale, then I'm certain that people will rush to see it like they did with the
Harry Potter movies. The director will release his anticipated science fiction movie
Gravity early next year.
Robert Zemeckis
Back To The Future Trilogy
I would be very surprised if Zemeckis directs a comic book movie in the near future (let alone for a smaller character like
Dr. Strange), but I can't help but feel that he would be an inspired choice for Stephen Strange's first movie. Recently working with motion capture animated films, I'm one of those who thinks that his
Beowulf adaptation was underrated. If Zemeckis can provide a similar scale for The Sorcerer Supreme's movie, it could be really epic. Zemeckis will be returning to live action later this year with the much anticipated
Flight, starring Denzel Washington.
Brian Kirk
Game Of Thrones
Kirk was recently considered for the directing gig for
Thor: The Dark World after Kenneth Branagh dropped out, but was replaced by Patty Jenkins (who was in turn replaced by Alan Taylor). I can see Marvel still being interested in hiring Kirk for one of their future films, especially if they want to make more
Games Of Thrones-inspired movies after
Thor 2. So why not another fantasy movie? Also, Marvel appear to like hiring television directors for some of their films (such as
Captain America: The Winter Soldier and even
The Avengers).
Well, that's my list for who I think Marvel Studios should consider for their
Doctor Strange movie when they decide to move forward with it. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and to vote on the poll below.
Prior Installments In My "Directors" Editorial: Nine Directors Who Should Be Considered For JUSTICE LEAGUE Six Directors Who Should Be Considered For WONDER WOMAN Six Directors Who Should Be Considered For THE FLASH Six Directors Who Should Be Considered For The Next GREEN LANTERN Movie