Marvel Studios is reportedly pursuing Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor for a role in "Doctor Strange," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Which role -- and whether it's as a hero or a villain -- isn't yet clear. And a deal appears to be far from done -- discussion is said to be in the early stages, and Marvel no-commented the report.

THR offers up conflicting reports as to whether or not Ejiofor will appear as an antagonist or ally to Doctor Strange, and speculates Baron Mordo, Wong and Ancient One as possibilities for his role.

This would be Ejiofor's first comic book-based movie, but he has experience in genre entertainment, having appeared in "Avengers" writer-director Joss Whedon's "Serenity," Alfonso Cuarón's dystopian sci-fi "Children of Men" and spy thriller "Salt." Last year, he was nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award for his lead role as Solomon Northup in "12 Years a Slave."

"Sherlock" star Benedict Cumberbatch -- himself an Oscar nominee for "The Imitation Game" -- is the only announced casting thus far for "Doctor Strange," as the titular Stephen Strange. Scott Derrickson is on board to direct the film, which has a scheduled release date of Nov. 4, 2016.