THE writer of Doctor Strange has defended the film from accusations of “whitewashing” over the casting of Tilda Swinton as a traditionally Tibetan character.

The British actress plays The Ancient One in the new superhero movie – a role depicted as an elderly Tibetan man in the 1960s Marvel comics.

Casting a white woman in the role has caused controversy but writer Jon Spaihts said the film, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, had to address some of the “dated” stereotypes from the original stories.

Speaking at the film’s world premiere in Los Angeles, Spaihts also denied concerns about upsetting the Chinese market had resulted in Swinton’s casting a suggestion previously made by fellow screenwriter C Robert Cargill.

Spaihts said: “We were wrestling with the fact that some of the core characters of the Doctor Strange mythos were created in the early-1960s and they are dated.

“They represent, to some extent, stereotypes which we had to find ways to freshen up.

“The Ancient One we’ve reinvented as a woman of Western extraction in this film.

“I will say there’s almost a Tilda Swinton exemption because I think she could play any role she wants. I think she’s sublime in this film.”

Star Trek actor George Takei was among the critics of Swinton’s casting as The Ancient One after her role was revealed.

He wrote on Facebook: “They cast Tilda because they believe white audiences want to see white faces.”