Benedict Cumberbatch, following months of speculation, has officially been confirmed to play Doctor Strange in the titular Marvel flick.

Benedict Cumberbatch Is Doctor Strange

Marvel announced Cumberbatch’s casting Thursday in a statement. “Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” said Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”

Over the summer, Cumberbatch refuted rumors regarding his casting in Doctor Strange, claiming that scheduling conflicts disallowed him from taking on the part.

“As far as I’m aware, even if that was the case, it couldn’t work out because I’m doing a little play called Hamlet in London,” Cumberbatch told MTV during a Comic-Con event. “So I don’t think I could even, if that was in the cards. It sounds like a fantastic project. It’s a shame if I miss out, but who knows?”

However, in October, it started to look like hold ups in production had made room for Cumberbatch to take on the coveted part. Apparently, Joaquin Phoenix had been cast, but negotiations with the Her actor fell through. Since filming of the project had to be pushed back, the scheduling conflicts concerning Hamlet were no longer an issue.

Previously, Suicide Squad actors  Jared Leto and Tom Hardy, were thought to be up for the part of Doctor Strange, as well as Ryan Gosling,  Justin Theroux, Ethan Hawke and Keanu Reeves.

Doctor Strange, which is slated to hit theaters November 4, 2016, will be directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts.

Leave a comment

Read more about: