Updated December 4, 3:00 p.m. : Marvel has finally confirmed that Cumberbatch will play Doctor Strange in the Phase 3 film. From Marvel, Doctor Strange “will follow the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.”
In a statement, Kevin Feige said, “Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity. In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”
Doctor Strange will be in theaters Noevmber 2016.
Updated October 28, 1:00 p.m. : At today’s Marvel Event, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige refused to confirm or deny any official Doctor Strange casting news, saying “If it was confirmed, we would have announced it today.”
Not helpful, Kevin. Not helpful at all.
While the rumor mill for this role has been churning for some time now, it appears that the dust has settled, and Benedict Cumberbatch will star as Doctor Strange. Deadline Hollywood is reporting that the ink is set for the newest addition to the Marvel Universe, and barring any unexpected changes, you can count on seeing the Sherlock star as a full-on superhero in 2016.
This is just the latest development within a slew of Marvel films being produced, including the high-stakes Captain America 3, which is slated to come out the same summer as Doctor Strange.
As for Cumberbatch, this news arrives amidst preliminary Oscar buzz for his role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, and perpetual buzz for his decision to provide voice work for Penguins of Madagascar despite the fact that he can’t pronounce the word “penguin.” Still no word if this means that he won’t be able to play “Nurse Normal” as well.
