Marvel Studios' 2016 film Doctor Strange proved to be a hit among audiences worldwide. However, the film's production and release was marred by controversy centered on Tilda Swinton's casting as the Ancient One-- a decision that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige regrets.
Speaking to Men's Health for a cover story about Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Feige recalled the development of Doctor Strange and the Ancient One. "We thought we were being so smart, and so cutting-edge," with regard to avoiding established Asian stereotypes. He added, "We're not going to do the cliché of the wizened, old, wise Asian man. But it was a wake-up call to say, 'Well, wait a minute, is there any other way to figure it out? Is there any other way to both not fall into the cliché and cast an Asian actor?' And the answer to that, of course, is yes."
Doctor Strange's mentor in sorcery, the Ancient One, is typically depicted in the comics as a Tibetan man by the name of Yao, who resided in the mystical city of Kamar-Taj, somewhere along the Himalayas. Screenwriter C. Robert Cargill previously suggested that the film was unable to adapt the character faithfully, owing to the Ancient One's Tibetan origins, which had the potential to prevent the film from screening in China. Cargill later clarified that he had not been part of any casting discussions or decisions for the character.
Of the 2016 film, director Scott Derrickson stated that he felt that writing the character as he was depicted in the comics would have been problematic. He explained, "I really felt like I was going to be contributing to a bad stereotype." He went on to say that the idea of an Asian woman was considered, but simply led them to the equally problematic "Dragon Lady" stereotype.
A sequel to Doctor Strange is currently in production. Filming began in November 2020 and wrapped filming in mid-April. The film will feature the return of Wanda Maximoff, following the events of WandaVision. Details concerning the plot of the upcoming film or its connection to the hit Disney+ series have not been revealed, though star Elizabeth Olsen recently teased that audiences can expect the film to dip into the horror genre.
Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Xochitl Gomez. The film arrives in theaters March 25, 2022.
Source: Men's Health