10 Candidates for Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange has been announced as one of Marvel Studios' phase three films.  There have been several potential actors rumored or suggested online such as Joseph Fiennes, Hugh Laurie, Ioann Gruffudd, Patrick Dempsey (who wants the role) and most commonly Viggo Mortensen.  Here are ten more suggestions that have not been mentioned.  Keep in mind no director has been announced and it is unknown where Strange will fit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jeff Fahey

Put a robe on Jeff Fahey with his Machete beard and he would look a lot like the good doctor.  There is a sinister quality to Fahey that would be an interesting take on the character.  Doubtful Marvel would gamble with him on a lead role.

Bruce Greenwood

Although he has voiced Batman for the past several years the Star Trek captain's face is not associated with DC.  Greenwood is a very intimidating screen presence with an eerie quality to him.  Like Fahey he is not an established leading man.  Also may be too old as he is getting close to 60 and haven't seen him with a beard.

Ken Watanabe

Marvel is usually under scrutiny for a lack of diversity in its heroes.  Strange really does not need to be caucasian, in fact it would make more sense for the character to be of Asian decent (gets rid of the unfortunate Mighty Whitey trope that Strange usually has).  Watanabe is one of the best known Asian actors working in Hollywood in the appropriate age range.  Of course he is best known from Batman Begins, but what good actor hasn't been in a superhero movie nowadays?  The Inception star would be an interesting pick for Strange.

Jean Dujardin

Haven't heard him do an American accent yet, but a French voice would be an interesting one for Strange.  Casting a physical idiosyncratic actor in the role makes sense.  Would be a much more suave doctor, which would fit the character's origins.

Irrfan Khan

Khan was one of the better performances in Amazing Spider-Man and gave one of the year's best performances in Life of Pi.  Khan can be humorous, intelligent and reflective.  A definite out of left field choice.  Like many of these candidates he isn't a leading man, but then again Doctor Strange is not a traditional superhero character.

Ty Burrell

While he is mainly known for being extremely likable there is a sort of eeriness to him.  He has a very expressive face and a deep voice.  Also his comedic chops would help with the more outlandish aspects of the concept.  Marvel seems to like to use TV actors, as one of the best known characters currently on television he would be a good choice.  Although this could create a possible paradox with Incredible Hulk.

Woody Harrelson

If Marvel went a completely different route with the concept, instead of an eloquent man focused on the strangeness well Woody is about as weird as they come.  Woody is a unique actor who could play a more modern magician.  Would not look like the character, but would be a great movie sorcerer.

Benicio Del Toro

Pretty much everything I said about the previous candidates this veteran actor possesses.  Expressive face, physicality, strong voice, strong presence and is capable of lot of depth.  Del Toro is one of the best in the business, giving good performances in any movie he is in.  Del Toro would certainly make a one of a kind Doctor Strange.

Christoph Waltz

One of the most fun actors to gain the spotlight in recent years.  Dye his hair black and you've got a Doctor Strange that makes sense in the movies.

Javier Bardem

I am surprised I haven't seen him mentioned with the role yet.  Bardem stole Skyfall away from James Bond and made one of the most memorable villains ever.  Those qualities that make him scary are what would make him a great Strange.  He would also be able to bring that Vicky Cristina Barcelona charm. Physically intimidating, and always exciting.

Best Supporting Actor Predictions (as of 12/14/12)

The best actor race is certainly whittling down.  A week ago there were several promising candidates such as John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson, Albert Brooks and Eddie Redmayne who are safe to take out of the running.  I suppose that should count Dwight Henry out of contention as well as he should have received notice before now for Beasts of the Southern Wild.

There are eight actors who pose a threat on Oscar night.  Matthew McConaughey has taken a hit after missing out on the Globes, somewhere he should have done well.  However he is experiencing quite the career comeback and has been noticed by several critics groups.  Leonardo DiCaprio received a bump from the Globe nomination, however he has not been showing up much.  Although the frontrunner to win early in the race he will only get noticed if AMPAS notices Django.  The actor that also, surprisingly, has a shot is Javier Bardem for his role as a Bond villain.  Both he and Dench had received some notice from critics, but his SAG nomination should be taken seriously.  This may be the Academy's way of acknowledging Bond's anniversary and a type of supporting performance they too often ignore (in my opinion blockbusters have some of the best supporting performances).

Meaning that my predicted five are Christoph Waltz, Alan Arkin, Robert DeNiro, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Tommy Lee Jones.  All of these are associated with best picture contenders and are scene stealers.  This is a category that could surprise easily because I would not say that anyone is a lock to win.  Jones seemed like a lock a month ago, but I am not as sure right now, Hoffman or DeNiro could too.  Even Waltz isn't out of the question.  The most interesting thing is that all of these five have won in the past.

If you are looking to bet money on somebody, take the safe bet and go with Tommy Lee Jones.  But definitely watch this category closely, because it could change in the coming weeks.