Disney sure does love Pinewood Studios. Not only do they have Star Wars: Episode VII filming there, but they also set up their Marvel epic Avengers: Age of Ultron there, and now comes word that Marvel’s Doctor Strange will now be lensing at Pinewood-Shepperton’s lot.

Under the direction of Scott Derrickson (Sinister), production is set to kick off at Pinewood around May of 2015. They’ll be working hard towards their release date, which is targeted for July 8, 2016.

As of now, they don’t even have a cast yet. Rumors persist about different frontrunners for the role. We’ve heard that everyone from Johnny Depp to Jon Hamm, Jack Huston, and Joaquin Phoenix have sat down with Marvel to discuss the lead role. Yet nothing has been announced. It’s unclear if Marvel is dead set on nabbing a big name, or if they’d be fine with an up-and-comer, since the rumored candidates have ranged in name value.

With a rumored start date that’s still over 8 months away, though, there is no cause for panic. They’ve given themselves plenty of time to find their Sorcerer Supreme. I suspect we could hear something about this casting in time for the holidays.

We shall see. But, for now, we know that things are moving full steam ahead. They’ve got a home for the filming, they’re assembling the crew, and timelines are being created.

Doctor Strange is expected to be a prominent fixture of Marvel’s Phase 3 plans, as the studio looks to keep its ongoing Avengers franchise fresh and viable.

SOURCE: ScreenDaily