Benedict Cumberbatch has officially signed on as Marvel’s “Doctor Strange“. The “Sherlock” star has been rumored to play Doctor Strange since Marvel mentioned that a big screen adaptation is in the pipeline. Cumberbatch managed to snatch the coveted role from serious Hollywood heavyweight that were line-up according to reputable sources. Joaquin Phoenix , Edgar Ramirez, Tom Hardy, Jared Leto and Joseph Gordon-Levitt to name a few were among the rumored talent pool.

Benedict Cumberbatch Officially Cast As ‘Doctor Strange’

Producer Kevin Feige said in a statement on Cumberbatch’s casting:

“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.”

Scott Derrickson will direct with a script rewritten by Jon Spaihts. “Dr. Strange” is set to be released on July 8, 2016.

Source: marvel.com

Dr. Stephen Strange

For those of you not in the know, here is a good description for Dr. Stephen Strange, courtesy of Comicvine.com:

“Dr. Stephen Strange was once a gifted but egotistical surgeon who sought out the Ancient One to heal his hands after they were wounded in a car accident. Instead, the Ancient One trained him to become Master of the Mystic Arts and the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth.”