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 RamirezTom HardyJared Leto and Joseph Gordon-Levitt to name a few were among the rumored talent pool.

Benedict Cumberbatch Officially Cast As 'Doctor Strange'

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 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.”

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.”