Patrick Dempsey is looking to move into a different field of medicine. Very different.
The longtime "Grey's Anatomy" star has been expanded his resume -- he has a summer starring turn in "Transformers 3" on its way -- and he says he's ready and willing to play a superhero. Some may consider Dr. Derek Shepherd a hero already, but the actor is lobbying for the role of Dr. Strange, a Marvel Comics character that has been mentioned as the next comic book to big screen adaptation.
Dempsey spoke about his interest with the Los Angeles Times, saying that, at least amongst his "Grey's" cast mates, he's the number one choice to play the mystical doctor.
"I've been lobbying for that," Dempsey told the paper. "There's a whole bunch of people [among the 'Grey's' crew] who are into comics and Marvel, too, on the set and they're like, 'Doctor Strange, that's the one you should do.' It would be fantastic. It'd be a great TV show, especially for HBO or something like that."
The buzz hasn't just been coming from his hospital drama set, though. Back in June, Disney, Marvel's parent company, signed writers for a Dr. Strange film, and rumors were that the company was eyeing Dempsey as the lead. The company is already very familiar with the star -- Disney, which owns ABC, is Dempsey's "Grey's" employer, and put together his 2007 fairy tale film, "Enchanted," as well.
"There was stuff going on. At Comic-Con they were talking about me playing it and there was a rumor that I'd been cast," he said. "I mean, it's something that's kind of out there and, you know, I've been looking at that. It would be a fun one to do."
Dr. Strange, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in 1963, has crossed over to various other Marvel titles and series, providing far out plot lines and assistance in epic miniseries. The character was originally a selfish neurosurgeon, who, when a car accident mangles his hands, seeks out a cure. What he finds is The Ancient One in the Himalayas, who finds his good side and teaches him the mystic arts.
For more, click over to the Los Angeles Times.