'Doctor Strange' movie cast update: Rachel McAdams in talks for female lead role

Rachel McAdamsWikimedia Commons/ Andrew Bishkinsky

It's been rumored for some time that actress Rachel McAdams may be involved in the upcoming Marvel film "Doctor Strange," and in a recent interview with the LA Times, the actresss has finally confirmed that she has indeed been in the studio negotiating a deal. 

However, the report does reiterate that McAdams has not yet signed on but is only in the early stages of negotiating a contract deal with Marvel Studios. This echoes the same process done with Joaquin Phoenix who eventually dropped out and negotiations moved to Benedict Cumberbatch, who was cast in the lead role. 

"It's still super-early days," the actress explained, "and I don't know where that's gonna go - if it's gonna go anywhere at all." 

According to a report from Cinema Blend, her statement indicates that she is already considering the role but it is still up to Marvel to consider hiring her.

The hiring process for Marvel is reported to be a lengthy and complex one. Actors must be willing to sign on for multiple films, which may impede with their likelihood to star in non-Marvel films for a few years due to their busy schedule, and Marvel must be willing to pay the amount that the actors demand for their time. 

The report continues to explain that while McAdams' potential role has not been revealed to the public, it is likely she may play the character Clea, a sorceress and possible love interest to Doctor Strange. 

If McAdams nabs the role, she will be joining Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Baron Mordo). 

It is also pointed out that McAdams played opposite Robert Downey Jr. in the two Guy Rotchie-directed "Sherlock Holmes" films and may now play opposite Cumberbatch who plays Sherlock Holmes in the BBC mini-series "Sherlock." 

"Doctor Strange" is currently set to be released in theaters nationwide on Nov. 4, 2016, after "Captain America: Civil War" and before "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."