Sci-Fi Storm

As Disney/Marvel continue to mine the comic giant’s deep field of characters, next up in the production slate of “Phase 2” (outside the Avengers set) is Doctor Strange, and most recently the lead actor being talked to was Joaquin Phoenix. That died earlier this month, so it was back to the drawing board – and Deadline now reports that their choice for the role is none other than everyone’s pick for every role, Benedict Cumberbatch (who honestly seems like a much better fit to us anyways.) Negotiations are expected to start soon.

The character of Doctor Strange is a former egotistical neurosurgeon who after becoming severely injured in a car crash to the point he could no longer conduct surgery and falls into bankruptcy trying to repair his hands, finds his way tho a hermit known only as the Ancient One – who after a selfless act by Strange teaches him the mystic arts. Strange then becomes the Sorcerer Supreme — the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats.

Syfy and Universal Cable Productions today announced that Emmy nominee Charles Dance, whose numerous credits include Game of Thrones, Phantom of the Opera, Jewel in the Crown and Bleak House, will play the lead role of the alien Overlord “Karellen” in the upcoming six-hour miniseries Childhood’s End.

Adapted from Arthur C. Clarke’s classic novel, Childhood’s End will premiere on Syfy in 2015. Childhood’s End follows the peaceful invasion of Earth by the mysterious Overlords. Karellen (Dance), the ambassador for the Overlords, makes first contact with Earthling Ricky Stormgren. Karellen’s comforting words and amazing technological gifts quickly win humanity’s favor, beginning decades of apparent utopia at the cost of human identity and culture. However, his refusal to reveal his physical appearance and insistence on dealing only through Ricky have some people questioning whether his intentions are truly benevolent.

In making the announcement, Bill McGoldrick, Executive Vice President, Original Content, Syfy, said: “We are thrilled that Charles has picked Childhood’s End following his amazing work in Game of Thrones.”

Akiva Goldsman (Lone Survivor, A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend) and Mike DeLuca (Captain Philips, Moneyball, The Social Network) will serve as executive producers. Alissa Phillips (Moneyball, Mob City) is co-executive producer. Childhood’s End will be adapted by Matthew Graham (creator of BBC’s Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes). Universal Cable Productions will be the studio.

The miniseries will be directed by Nick Hurran, who received an Emmy Award nomination for Sherlock and a Hugo Award nomination for Doctor Who.

The good folks at Air New Zealand love to have fun…even when it comes to safety. And their latest safety video features the movies that were filmed in New Zealand – in this case, The Hobbit, featuring The Shire, dwarves, elves, a wizard or two, and special appearances from several of the film series’ stars…check it out below!
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