Kevin Feige Says 'Doctor Strange' Director Short List Isn't As Short As We Think

Marvel is still searching for the right Doctor StrangeĀ director. Several names have been mentioned in conjunction with the film. Speaking to us at the Captain America: The Winter Soldier junket, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed they have met with several of the names mentioned in the press. However, he said the list isn't down to just three, contrary to recent reports.

Feige confirmed that, yes, they have met with Sinister director Scott Derrickson, Brave director Mark Andrews and 50/50 director Jonathan Levine. However, that's not the end of the story by a long shot.

We've met with all of [those three]. Some of those three are not in contention anymore, some of those three we're still talking with and there are many others. We have not narrowed it down as much as the internet thinks. I wish we had.

With the exception of Edgar Wright and Joe Johnston, almost every director Marvel Studios has selected was a surprise when first announced. Jon Favreau, Kenneth Branagh, Alan Taylor, James Gunn, Shane Black, The Russo Brothers, even Joss Whedon for crying out loud. That said, I'm pretty confident in their ability to choose a person who is talented and has a vision. It's an arguable point, but none of the Marvel movies have been *bad* yet. Even if there's one you think is bad (Thor: The Dark World and Iron Man 2 are probably the best examples) there are plenty of fans of that film, and it was a huge box office success. I'd expect nothing less with Doctor Strange.

And though Feige makes it sound like the search is far from over, I think he's being coy. Just two weeks ago he flat out denied the director short list. Now he's confirmed he talked to at least a few of those names. If he's beginning to open up, he probably is getting closer to making a decision.

When do you think we'll hear the Doctor Strange director? Will it be the big May 2016 release?