Doctor Strange has struggled to get a big screen adaptation over the years, but it's finally going to happen in 2016 with Scott Derrickson directing. However, there have been a number of near-misses regarding a theatrically-released Doctor Strange movie in the past. The first was back in 1986, with Back to the Future co-writer Bob Gale writing the script, which obviously never happened, and then in 1992, Wes Craven of Nightmare on Elm Street fame signed on to pen the script and direct the feature for Savoy Pictures - but the studio went bankrupt two years later and that never happened either. However, David Goyer has come closest, having nearly got a Doctor Strange movie going on two occasions. First, in 1995, he was hired to write a script for the film but nothing came of it. Then, in 2001, Dimension Films bought the rights to the character and brought Goyer in once again. He had this to say about the topic:
I did write a script for Dr. Strange for Columbia about 6 years ago, but it didn't go very well. There were elements of the story that I liked but, in all likelihood, I would start from scratch this time. I would attempt to use as many practical effects and in-camera tricks as possible. I like CGI the most when it is done subtly
A year later, the project had faded in to nothing.
