Doctor Strange continues to have backlash against the argued "whitewashing" of a character from the comic mythos. Bob Gale, writer of Back To The Future, is the latest person to make their opinion known regarding the casting choice of Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One. Gale is a lifelong fan of the character, and even wrote a screenplay for the character in the 1980's, though the film never made it past pre-production. In an interview with Movie Pilot, Gale said, "You've got the Ancient One as Tilda Swinton. Give me a break! Really? I mean, it's stupid. You know? Why f*ck with the mythology?"
Marvel previously addressed the casting choice in a statement after the film's writer, C. Robert Cargill, went on record on a podcast implying that the decision to "whitewash" the character was made to appease China. "Marvel has a very strong record of diversity in its casting of films and regularly departs from stereotypes and source material to bring its MCU to life. The Ancient One is a title that is not exclusively held by any one character, but rather a moniker passed down through time, and in this particular film the embodiment is Celtic."
What do you think of Gale's comments? Sound off below! Doctor Strange releases November 4, 2016.
About The Author:
Matt is a graduate of the Ryerson University School of Journalism, and has been a fan of superheroes since he picked up his first comic book issue as a child. While he works as a professional musician, Matt has a massive passion for comic books, films and heroes, along with participating in discussion and debate with the CBM community.