A few weeks ago it was said that Marvel Studios had drawn up a list of four names to possibly direct their upcoming DOCTOR STRANGE movie. Well, Borys Kitt over at The Hollywood Reporter now has word that Marvel’s shortlist for the Stephen Strange-centric flick now consists of three names.

Two of the names that were previously linked to the gig, BRAVE’s Mark Andrews and WARM BODIES’ Jonathan Levine, are said to still be in the frame, with Scott Derrickson now apparently in the mix as well. Derrickson is best known for having helmed THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE and SINISTER.

In terms of DOCTOR STRANGE, all is a little hush-hush on that project from an official stance. Marvel Studios hasn’t even confirmed that project as definitely happening just yet, but it’s believed that the movie will be a part of the their ‘Phase Three’ of films, although it could face some stiff competition to snag itself a role in that ‘Phase.’

Picking up in the aftermath of AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, Marvel’s Phase Three is set to open with Edgar Wright’s ANT-MAN on 17th July, 2015 and close with THE AVENGERS 3. In between those movies, there’s three available slots of 6th May, 2016, 8th July, 2016 and 5th May, 2017 that need filling. As well as Doc Strange vying for a slot, there’s the small matter of CAPTAIN AMERICA 3, THOR 3 and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 seemingly confirmed to happen, then rumours of a solo film for Black Widow, the Hulk or even Black Panther.

Expect more on this as it develops.

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