Chiwetel Ejiofor might finally get his chance to star in a franchise. The Oscar-nominated actor has been linked to a role in Marvel’s Doctor Strange, a which already stars his fellow 12 Years A Slave actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the process is only in the very early stages, but TheWrap suggested that the actor is already close to a deal.

It’s also unclear what role Ejiofor will play. Some have said that he might be considered for a villain role, but other sources say that isn’t the case. The film’s villain is expected to be Strange’s nemesis, Baron Mordo, but other potential roles include the monk Wong and the Ancient One.

Cumberbatch officially joined the film in December. It is being directed by Scott Derrickson and will be released on Nov. 4, 2016.

Ejiofor is a British actor who earning his breakout role in 2013 in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave, which also earned him an Oscar nomination. However, he has been in the industry for a long time, appearing in the sci-fi classic Children of Men and Serenity. He’s also in Ridley Scott’s upcoming The Martian and the Sundance film Z For Zachariah.

There were rumors in April 2014 that he was being considered for the villain part in the James Bond movie Spectre, but those talks never got far.

image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com