I literally just got off the phone with Scott Derrickson, who is promoting his upcoming horror film DELIVER US FROM EVIL. Naturally, I had to bring up that little movie he's working on called DOCTOR STRANGE for Marvel. Just as naturally, he's practically unable to say anything about it.

But... I did get Mr. Derrickson to talk just a little bit about what the experience has been like thus far, in terms of his excitement for the material, as well as the fan reaction. It's quite obvious that he's excited to be playing in the Marvel world, and with this character in particular.

On whether or not his life has changed since the initial announcement:

The only thing that's changed is my number of Twitter followers. [Laughs] Otherwise everything is pretty much the same.

On his relationship to the Doctor Strange comics and character:

I think when you consider the work that I've done it makes sense that he'd be my favorite comic book character, at least in the Marvel universe. Probably the only comic character in that mainstream world that I'm suited to. I feel such an affinity for the character and the story and the ambition of those comics, especially the original Stan Lee and Steve Ditko "Strange Tales" - I think those are my favorite of all of them. The entire history of the comics is extraordinary.
On going after the project:

I wanted it really bad. More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything in my power to get on that project. Genuinely felt like I was the right guy to do it.

On the world being ready for a DOCTOR STRANGE movie and fan reaction thus far:

I think the nicest surprise for me, the most unexpected surprise, is the positive reaction. Both to me getting the film - I guess I expected the detractors, and they just haven't been there, it's all been quite positive. More than that, it's just the general enthusiasm for Doctor Strange. I think people who know the comic world and the Marvel universe, they all feel the same way I do, which is, "This is the Marvel movie we're all ready to see now." This movie needs to exist. The outpouring of excitement that people have shown is the thing I've been most pleasantly surprised.

Admirably, Scott dodged every other question I had about the film, including whether or not he had an actor in mind ("Can't talk about that, but I understand that you have to ask!") and if it will have a more horror-skewing tone than other Marvel films ("We'll see!") Can't blame a guy for trying, and Scott was very gracious and patient with my scoop-seeking ways.

Look for DELIVER US FROM EVIL on July 2 and DOCTOR STRANGE… at some point in the future.

Marvel's ‘Doctor Strange’ to Be Penned by ‘Prometheus’ Writer Jon Spaihts
Movies | By Linda Ge on June 18, 2014 @ 5:30 pm

Jon Spaihts, who is best known for his work on Ridley Scott's “Prometheus,” is nearing a deal to write “Doctor Strange” for Marvel, which recently hired Scott Derrickson to direct the superhero movie.

First introduced to comic book readers in 1963, the titular Steven Strange is a neurosurgeon who also doubled as the Sorcerer Supreme, acting as Earth's primary protector against mysticism and sorcery. In preparation for the character's introduction in Phase Three of Marvel's cinematic universe, the name Steven Strange was first referenced in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

Benedict Cumberbatch and Jared Leto are Marvel's top targets to play Strange. Despite earlier reports, Tom Hardy is not expected to be available for the film.

Spaihts previously wrote the Emile Hirsch sci-fi movie “The Darkest Hour” and Keanu Reeves‘ long-gestating sci-fi movie “Passengers,” which remains in development at Focus Features.

Spaihts, who is also working on “The Mummy” reboot for Universal, is repped by CAA and Circle of Confusion.

DOCTOR STRANGE has a director in Scott Derrickson, but no star has been named. Marvel could make a bombshell announcement by telling the Hall H crowd which actor will play Stephen Strange. Obviously, this is dependent on an actor actually being signed for the role in time for the panel.

As Marvel finalizes surprises for its Comic-Con panel on Saturday, the rumor mill regarding “Doctor Strange” has reached a fever pitch and the actor who has been mentioned most often for the coveted superhero role is none other than three-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix, multiple individuals close to the casting process have told TheWrap.

Representatives for Marvel and Phoenix had no comment.

While insiders caution there is no deal in place yet, multiple sources say Phoenix is in consideration and has had discussions about the movie.