After Marvel was unable to close a deal with Joaquin Phoenix to star in Doctor Strange, a number of other names began popping up as being linked to the role. Less than two weeks ago, Ewan McGregor was rumored to be at the top of a list that also included Jake Gyllenhaal, Oscar Issac and Jared Leto, but numerous outlets are now reporting that Marvel has made their choice: Sherlock Holmes himself, Benedict Cumberbatch.
Deadline broke the news first, followed moment later by Variety, with both outlets claiming Cumberbatch has entered into negotiations with Marvel for a multi-appearance deal as Doctor Strange. While Cumberbatch is still committed to a fourth season of BBC’s Sherlock, it’s expected that Marvel will make the necessary scheduling accommodations. The studio already has a press conference scheduled for tomorrow morning, and it seems likely that an official announcement will be part of those proceedings.
Sinister director Scott Derrickson will helm Doctor Strange from a script by Prometheus scribe Jon Spaihts. No release date has been confirmed, but the film is expected to hit theaters in 2016. Cumberbatch can next be seen in The Imitation Game, for which he’s already garnering a bit of awards season buzz.
benedict cumberbatch doctor strange marvel