'Doctor Strange' news: Images of Mads Mikkelsen's villain released

Mads Mikkelsen has been confirmed to be the main villain of the upcoming Marvel film "Doctor Strange," although the studios have yet to reveal which character the actor is portraying. Despite this, images have been leaked online, as per Collider, giving fans their first good look at Mikkelsen's character.

The images reveal Mikkelsen to be dressed in colthing akin to that of the Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), hinting that he too may be a sorcerer of some sort. This would contradict some of the theories suggesting that Mikkelsen is playing the villain in the comics known as Dormammu.

Dormammu is a tyrannical ruler from a different dimension and is often portrayed with a flaming skull head. However, according to Screen Rant, it is possible that Mikkelsen is portraying a human being that has been consumed or possessed by Dormammu, explaining why his eyes have a burnt and destroyed look. 

It is also theorized that Mikkelsen is portraying another pupil of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) who later got corrupted, similar to what will happen to Baron Mordo, and may be the villain responsible for turning Mordo against Strange. Another standing rumor is that he is a student or associate of Mordo.

The images also reveal Mikkselsen with a female sidekick and it is speculated that this is Amy Landecker, although under the makeup and costume it is difficult to discern if this is her or another actress. The female sidekick does share a similar aesthetic to Mikkelsen's character, complete with similar clothing and makeup around the eyes.

"Doctor Strange" is being marketed as the most psychedelic entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will be the film to properly introduce magic to the MCU. Most films, including "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Thor," waved off the magical elements by claiming these elements were futuristic technology.

"Doctor Strange" opens in theaters this Nov. 4.