Mads Mikkelsen
Mads Mikkelsen has been spotted by some fans filming Doctor Strange, but it's still unclear as to which Marvel villain the Hannibal star is playing! Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty

In late March Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor were spotted by eagle-eyed fans on the set of Doctor Strange, as the actors (along with some colourfully-costumed co-stars) filmed a scene in New YorkCity in the middle of the day. Quite unusual for the typically so secretive Marvel Studios. Now, we've been given even another glimpse at the eagerly-anticipated superhero film, as on Monday 4 April sneak peeks at Mads Mikkelsen's secretive villain (and his seriously cool make up) have emerged.

Which character Mikkelsen is playing in Doctor Strange exactly still remains unknown, although it has been known for some time that he is starring as the film's main antagonist. When his involvement was originally announced, rumours began circulating that he would be portraying Dormammu, a villain lifted straight out of the comics, who originated as one of the Faltine, a species of beings in another dimension who subsist on energy. Unlike the others like him however, Dormammu hungered for matter, and was ultimately banished from his dimension (along with his sister).

While Mikkelsen's make-up could ring true for a character who runs on energy and matter, his appearance in these shots is a far cry from the flame-headed faceless baddie with the insect-like armour seen in the comics. Considering how closely the studio and costume designer Alexandra Byrne has followed the comics in Cumberbatch's Strange costume, it seems unlikely that they've given Dormammu a completely new look.

It doesn't seem so far-fetched to suggest that he could be portraying Nightmare, a demon with the ability to torment people as they sleep, and in some cases trap people in this realm for his own amusement. Within the comics, Nightmare's eyes glow (albeit in a green colour) and this could tie in with Mikkelsen's unique eye make up seen on the streets on NYC recently. But seeing as that's really the only comparison that can be made, it's safe to say, the jury might still well be out on just which villain Mikkelsen will be playing.

Based upon a titular character that has not been adapted into the rapidly expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe before, Doctor Strange tells the story of Dr Stephen Vincent Strange, a former renowned neurosurgeon who loses his medical skills following a car crash.

He desperately seeks out a powerful mystic, called the Ancient One (played by Tilda Swinton in the movie), who teaches him how to access his psychic and magical powers in a bid to enable him to stop evil-doers, particularly her disgraced protégé Baron Mordo (Ejiofor). The film will be part of Phase Three in the extensive line-up of future titles issued by Marvel, also starring Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong and Michael Stuhlbarg and is set for release in the UK on 28 October 2016.

For more entertainment news follow A-List on Twitter @Alistinsider

More from IBTimes UK