Now that Marvel Studios has hired director Scott Derrickson to take the helm on Doctor Strange, the focus is shifting to casting a leading man, with Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch reportedly in contention for the title role.

The character was mentioned by name in Marvel's Phase Two sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier earlier this year, with the project already confirmed to be a part of Phase Three, although it isn't known when Marvel plans on releasing the movie. Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer (Conan the Barbarian) are writing the screenplay.

Other actors are still in contention for the Doctor Strange role, although it isn't known if Oscar winner Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) is one of them, after a rumor surfaced earlier this week that he is up for the title role.

Both Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch have a number of projects in various stages of development, so there many be scheduling issues to be worked out, if a deal is made with either actor.