Benedict Cumberbatch is Marvel's 'Doctor Strange' If He Agrees to a Bucket of Cash and Fanboy Scrutiny

Marvel may have finally found their ‘Doctor Strange’ as Deadline reports that Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek Into Darkness) is in talks to lead the stand-alone film. Always considered a candidate negotiations with Marvel didn't start in earnest until after talks with Joaquin Phoenix fell through.

A long list of actors were rumored to be in consideration for the role for months. It seemed every week brought a new name. Tom Hardy, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto, Ethan Hawke, Ryan Gosling, Keanu Reeves and even Johnny Depp were supposedly in the mix early on. Cumberbatch may not have been the first choice but he should more than suffice to bring the Sorcerer Supreme to life. 

Already a fan favorite for his award-winning work on Sherlock, Cumberbatch has the charm, charisma and benign arrogance to pull off Doctor Strange. And his performance in the upcoming The Intimidation Game has Oscar-bait written all over it. Marvel may have a high profile Academy Award-winner in their stable soon. 

Doctor Strange is a former neurosurgeon  who becomes the primary defense against magical threats on Earth. He was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko for Marvel 50 years ago. 

Scott Derrickson is directing for a release scheduled on July 8, 2016.

Source: Deadline