One of the most controversial films to be shown this year is Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) "Doctor Strange," which will premiere late this year. Production has been receiving numerous criticisms about the ethnicity of The Ancient One, and one of Hollywood's known fans of the character speaks out.

The Ancient One is a powerful sorcerer who eventually becomes Doctor Strange's mentor. In the comics, the character's origin traces back to Tibet, so many were surprised when actress Tilda Swinton was cast. Many people have expressed their disapproval on the decision and screenwriter, producer, and director Bob Gale is one of them. Gale is known to be fond and passionate about The Ancient One, and back in the 80s, he wrote a screenplay about the character.

Movie Pilot had a chance to ask Gale what he thinks of MCU's decision, and he said, "You've got the Ancient One as Tilda Swinton. Give me a break! Really? I mean, it's stupid. You know?"

MCU has been accused of whitewashing because of its bold decision to change what generations of comic readers and moviegoers have been used to. Generations have lived to know The Ancient One as a male Asian character and Swinton is of Anglo-Scottish-Australian heritage.

Marvel, however, urges the moviegoers to keep an open mind as watching the movie will justify the alteration made. In the studio's statement released to Mashable, it says, "Marvel has a very strong record of diversity in its casting of films and regularly departs from stereotypes and source material to bring its MCU to life. The Ancient One is a title that is not exclusively held by any one character, but rather a moniker passed down through time, and in this particular film the embodiment is Celtic."

During a podcast interview with Double Toasted, co-writer C. Robert Cargill revealed that much thought has been given to the Ancient One in developing the story. Cargill said that stereotyping The Ancient One as a Tibetan would alienate more people and also mentioned China and Tibet's political conflict was also taken into consideration.

Despite the controversy, "Doctor Strange" continues with its production and will premiere on Nov. 4.