Doctor Strange: 22 Secrets Revealed By The Director's Commentary

20. They Cast Tilda Swinton To AVOID Racism

There was inevitably a lot of talk of white-washing before the film came out, mostly because of Tilda Swinton's casting as The Ancient One. Derrickson admits he felt tortured by the casting decision, but ultimately a couple of factors worked in favour of her: first, the source is based on racial stereotypes (like a lot of earlier Marvel stuff) and he wanted to avoid causing more casting controversy by using an older Asian actor (he was very deliberate about the age) and her being perceived as a "Dragon Lady" stereotype.

After consulting Asian American friends, colleagues, and film critics, he was advised that he was better off not perpetuating that stereotype either.

“I could not find a way to avoid having this character be what she is, a magical, mythical, martial arts mentor with some hidden motives and secrets, and everything I just described in a woman, if that woman is Asian, is a dragon lady.”

He actually also disputes the accusations of white-washing as 'The Ancient One is not always Asian in the comics" and should be considered a title passed on down through the ages.

19. They Moved The Release For Cumberbatch

Derrickson wanted Benedict Cumberbatch so much - he was their first choice for Doctor Strange obviously - that despite his scheduling conflict (he was doing Hamlet on stage), the director had to ask Kevin Feige to move the movie's release. The cost of that move meant a shorter production schedule and the necessary use of more effects companies than usual.

As an added nugget of information, Derrickson said he probably spoke to Chiwetel Ejiofor most on set, because of his knowledge of history and socioeconomics. He calls Mordo as a character a fundamentalist, and one whose ideals aren't empathetic, but are in the nature of fundamentalism.