Benedict Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange in Marvel's upcoming movie adaptation, and is reportedly in final negotiations for the role.
News of Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange comes as a pleasant surprise to Marvel fans, both of the graphic novels and the film studio. Marvel still has to confirm the Deadline report, but Cumberbatch is one of the shortlist of actors pegged for the role a few months ago.
Roles for the Doctor Strange movie rang with notable names, including Jared Leto and Tom Hardy, both proven as great character actors in previous films. Joaquin Phoenix was also close to snagging the role, until news of the deal going south after Comic Con.
According to the deadline.com exclusive report: "Marvel has finally found its Doctor Strange. I'm hearing Benedict Cumberbatch is the studio's choice for the superhero pic, and negotiations are about to begin. The news comes after talks with Joaquin Phoenix around the time of Comic-Con went south, and Marvel went back to the drawing board. With names like Jared Leto and Tom Hardy also in the mix, this is obviously a coveted role. I expect this deal to make."
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange ups the actor's credibility in an expanding Marvel Cinematic universe. The actor is also up to bid for an Oscar with his role in "The Imitation Game," to release this November 21.
Cumberbatch's more notable performances include his role as Khan in "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and in the ongoing Sherlock Holmes series on BBC and PBS.
Doctor Strange was rumored to join The Avengers in an upcoming installment, but is confirmed with a standalone movie instead. Scott Derickson will direct, and John Spaits is penning the script.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange brings life to Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's Sorcerer Supreme, protector of the Earth against mystical threats, wielding sorcery, mysticism, and martial arts.
