Rachel McAdams Eyed for Female Lead in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’

It looks like Marvel wants Rachel McAdams for “Doctor Strange.” Sources tell Variety that McAdams is the choice to land the female lead opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” although it’s currently unknown if an offer is in hand.

Heroic Hollywood first reported the news earlier this month, and McAdams confirmed to the L.A. Times that she was talking to the studio about the role. “It’s still super-early days, and I don’t know where that’s gonna go, if it’s gonna go anywhere at all,” she said.

Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor are also on board to co-star. Scott Derrickson is directing the comicbook movie.

Cumberbatch will play Stephen Vincent Strange, a former neurosurgeon who becomes the next Sorcerer Supreme and primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats. Marvel Comics vets Stan Lee and Steve Ditko co-created the character in 1963.

The role McAdams will be playing if cast is unknown.

Jon Spaihts penned the script with Kevin Feige producing.

“Doctor Strange” will debut on Nov. 4, 2016.

Known early on in career for her romantic dramas and comedies like “The Notebook” and “Mean Girls,” McAdams has pursued more serious, darker roles that began with her landing the highly coveted female lead of “True Detective” season two, which debuted recently on HBO to strong ratings.

She also has the boxing drama “Southpaw” and Catholic Church sex scandal pic “Spotlight” coming out this year, both of which could draw awards season buzz.

She is repped by WME and Magnolia Entertainment.

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