With Marvel expected to expand its roster for Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there’s been plenty of rumours circulating as to which characters could be set to join the likes of Iron Man, Thor and Captain America as part of the studio’s stable of superheroes, not to mention speculation over potential casting choices. And now it seems there’s a chance the studio could be casting its eye towards a former rival, with talk that Marvel are looking at two veterans of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy for upcoming roles in the MCU.
According to rumour maestros Latino Review, Marvel Studios is said to be looking at The Dark Knight Rises star Joseph Gordon-Levitt for the role of Doctor Strange (the actor was said to have previously been offered a role in Guardians of the Galaxy, but turned it down in favour of Sin City: A Dame to Kill For), while The Dark Knight’s Aaron Eckhart has told Nuke the Fridge that “I know Marvel, and we would like to do something together some time.”
Before we all get too excited over these possibilities, it has to be noted that Latino Review’s track record for delivering reliable scoops has taken a huge hit these past few months, while a representative for Joseph Gordon-Levitt has already denied the rumour to The Huffington Post. And with regards to Eckhart, the actor then goes on to state that he’s unsure about whether the tone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe appeals to him as an actor, preferring instead the dark and gritty take of The Dark Knight trilogy.
And, just to throw another questionable Marvel rumour your way, ComicBookMovie is suggesting that the studio is looking to develop a treatment for another Hulk movie, taking inspiration from the current Marvel NOW! Indestructible Hulk comic book, which sees Bruce Banner working as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and would allow for the focus to be on Mark Ruffalo, as opposed to Banner’s big green alter-ego. Again, I’d suggest taking this with a rather large dose of salt…
Originally published July 16, 2013. Updated December 13, 2019.
