Back in October, various reports suggested that Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch was Marvel Studios’ top choice to play Doctor Strange, and now that rumor has been confirmed. Cumberbatch will indeed bring the “Sorcerer Supreme” to the big screen in 2016.
The casting was confirmed on Marvel.com, with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige offering some perspective on why the Emmy- and Olivier-winning actor was the perfect choice to portray Stephen Strange, a former neurosurgeon who becomes a master of the occult after a terrible accident.
“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” said Feige in a statement accompanying the casting announcement. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”
Set to be directed by Scott Derickson (Sinister) and based on a script by Jon Spaihts (Prometheus), Doctor Strange is one of several new solo films that make up Phase Three of Marvel’s rapidly expanding cinematic universe. Early rumors had Joaquin Phoenix pegged for the title role, but that deal apparently fell through in early October.
Doctor Strange is scheduled to hit theaters November 4, 2016.
