Tilda Swinton has hit back at comic book fans who have accused the forthcoming Marvel movie ‘Doctor Strange’ of 'whitewashing’ over her role as The Ancient One.

In the comics, The Ancient One is a Tibetan mystic, leading some to question why an Asian actress wasn’t cast in the role instead.

However, in the comics, the character is also a man, so they’re clearly going off-script.

When asked about the furore by The Hollywood Reporter, she said: “Well, it’s not actually an Asian character - that’s what I need to tell you about it.

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“I wasn’t asked to play an Asian character, you can be very well assured of that.

“You just have to wait and see, because it’s not an Asian character.”

Following the announcement of her casting back in December, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige said: “We’re never afraid to change.

“In the comic books, Jarvis is an elderly butler. In the movies, he’s an A.I. system which becomes Paul Bettany’s Vision. We are always looking for ways to change.

“I think if you look at some of the early incarnations of the Ancient One in the comics, they are what we would consider today to be quite, sort of, stereotypical. They don’t hold up to what would work today.

“Also, within the storyline of the comics, and our movie, ‘the Ancient One’ is a title that many people have had. We hit very early on on, What if the Ancient One was a woman? What if the title had been passed and the current Ancient One is a woman? Oh, that’s an interesting idea. [Clicks fingers.] Tilda Swinton! Whoah! And it just hit.”

Benedict Cumberbatch is playing the titular Doctor, who discovers hidden powers and alternate dimensions following a horrific car accident.

Helmed by Scott Derrickson, and also starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams and Mads Mikkelsen, it’s out on November 4.

Image credits: Getty/Marvel