Ryan Goslinghad a pretty great year in 2016. He starred in two critically acclaimed movies withThe Nice GuysandLa La Land, the latter of which he could be getting an Oscar nomination for in the very near future. It is fairly hard to believe things could have been any better for him, but it turns out he was up for the role ofDoctor Strangeat one point. Enough for Marvel Studios to commission some concept art of him as The Sorcerer Supreme. Lucky for fans, that art has now surfaced online.
The art was done byCourt Chu, who said he was hired to do the art quite some time ago. Long before Marvel Studios settled onBenedict Cumberbatch, though, directorScott Derricksonsays he was the only actor who was ever really considered forDoctor Strange. Still, at some point Marvel was consideringRyan Goslingand this art that was posted toThe Art Blog of Court Chuproves it. The two pieces are very similar, but one of them is darker and features a different cloak, as well as a slightly different design on the chest of the costume. But for the most part, both pieces give a pretty good idea of what could have been.
Despite whatScott Derricksonsays, it was fairly well documented that Marvel Studios at least had to look at some other actors becauseBenedict Cumberbatchhad some acting commitments that made it seem as though he wasn’t going to be able to take the part. Ultimately, the studio bumpedDoctor Strangeback to accommodate his schedule and make it happen. The movie had been in some form of development for quite some time, so naturally, other actors, likeGosling, were looked at for the part of Stephen Strange.Joaquin Phoenixwas also flirting with the role for a period of time and was reportedly very close to signing on the dotted line, but he supposedly didn’t want to commit to a long-term deal, which is a big part of being in the Marvel Studios system.
WhileRyan Goslingis becoming a seemingly better actor with each performance he turns in, and likely would have been a fine choice for the role, it would be hard to argue against the way things turned out.Doctor Strangewas incredibly well received by both fans and critics, much of that having to do withBenedict Cumberbatch’s performance asStephen Strange. Not only that, but the movie has made $658 million at the box office, surpassing expectations. It is actually the highest-grossing solo character movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date, so Marvel Studios has to be thrilled with the results.
There is no telling how differentDoctor Strangewould have been ifRyan Goslingwere given the part, but it is at least interesting to think about. Things turned out fine for both sides, though.Ryan Goslingis starring inBlade Runner 2049later this year andBenedict Cumberbatchwill be reprising hisDoctor Strange roleinThor: Ragnarok, as well as in the upcomingAvengers: Infinity War. You can check out the concept art ofRyan GoslingasDoctor Strangefor yourself below.
