This isn’t “news” so don’t take it as such, but someone named Roger Wardell tweeted two messages, indicating that Marvel was courting Viggo Mortenson for a role in one of their Phase 2 movies (i.e. everything coming after ‘Avengers’) and that “There’s something “Strange” about ‘Thor: The Dark World‘.”  Since then, the blogosphere has errupted with speculation that Mortenson will be appearing as Doctor Strange – Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme – in ‘Thor: The Dark World’.

Mortenson makes perfect sense. He’s a successful and well-respected actor, but not a megastar leading man, a la Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner.  He also has experience in genre film, obviously, after starring as Aragorn in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies. The only drawback is that he’s a bit rugged for the more refined Doctor, but the comic book character originated as an extremely damaged individual. Crushed by the death of his mother, Stephen Strange refused to visit the deathbed of his father. After his father’s death, Stephen’s brother Victor angrily confronted him and then afterward, Victor rushed out… into the street and was killed when he was struck by a car!  (Only in comics.) Then after that, nerve damage ended Stephen’s successful career as a surgeon.

Viggo, sporting Dr. Strange-esque facial hair on the cover of Men’s Vogue

Marvel has openly been planning a Doctor Strange feature for years. In 2010, they tapped Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer to draft a script. The pair also penned the scrips for the reboot of ‘Conan the Barbarian’ and ‘Cowboys and Aliens‘.  (Aw crap!) Perhaps Marvel has decided that it might be a better idea to introduce the lesser known Doctor Strange as part of a sequel to a movie that has already proven successful.

Also, there is already a cinematic connection between the two characters. The Orb of Agamotto, Strange’s “crystal ball” of sorts was among the artifacts designed for Odin’s trophy room in ‘Thor‘.  (Not to be confused with the Eye of Agamotto, the amulet he wears around his neck.)

While the two heroes aren’t an obvious match, Thor is more supernatural than scientific, making Doctor Strange a better fit here than, say in ‘Iron Man 3‘.  But keep in mind this is all rumor and speculation as of right now.  Marvel has not yet made any announcements to address these rumors.

But what do you think?  Would Doctor Strange fit into a Thor movie?  Is Mortenson a good choice?  Sound of below!