With the exception of the Sherlock Holmes films, Rachel McAdams isn’t exactly known for taking on big blockbuster projects – instead being part of more modestly-budgeted dramas and comedies. Because of this record, one could wonder if there was any hesitance on her part to take a role in the upcoming Marvel Studios film Doctor Strange - but given her recent explanation for signing on, which includes her discussions with the director and Marvel’s track record, it doesn’t seem like that was ever really any issue.
MTV recently caught up with McAdams while she was at the Gotham Independent Film Awards for her new movie Spotlight, and it was while talking with the network that she explained exactly what it was that made her want to join the cast of Doctor Strange. Asked about her decision to “join the Marvel family,” McAdams said,
I mean, I just love the director. I met with Scott [Derrickson] and loved his vision, he was so passionate. And the opportunity to work with Benedict was kind of a no-brainer. And Marvel makes amazing films, so it was a complete package.
Doctor Strange is certainly a project that wears its potential on its sleeve. Not only is introducing the world of magic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe a very big deal, but this is a film that’s going to transport audiences to alternate dimensions – with one of the best Marvel ensembles to date guiding the tour. Not only are Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel McAdams on board, but this is a group of actors that also includes Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen, and Michael Stuhlbarg. So even if the script isn’t up to par, we should at the very least expect every main member of the cast to perform the hell out of it.
Now we know what inspired Rachel McAdams to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but sadly we still don’t really know any information about her role in the movie. The studio has yet to officially announce the name of her character, though it has been heavily rumored that she will be playing Linda Carter – a woman in the comics who has gone by the moniker Night Nurse and has been romantically linked with Dr. Stephen Strange in the past (specifically in Brian K. Vaughn's "Doctor Strange: The Oath"). For now, though, that’s just speculation.
While some shooting is taking place in Nepal and New York, the bulk of production on Doctor Strange is taking place at Longcross Studios in England. Principal photography officially began in early November, and the movie is expected to be filming for the next couple of months. As always, stay tuned for more updates, and prepare for it in theaters on November 4th.
