In one of Marvel’s worst kept casting secrets Benedict Cumberbatch, currently wowing audiences with his turn as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, has been officially announced as playing Doctor Strange. It’s a typically inspired piece of casting from Marvel and Sinister director Scott Derrickson who will call the shots on the film.
Doctor Strange was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in 1963 and tells the story of surgeon Stephen Vincent Strange who, after a car accident, loses his ability to perform surgery. Falling on hard times he heads to the Himalayas and meets a healer known as The Ancient One who helps Strange tap into all manner of magical powers which lead to him becoming the Sorcerer Supreme, the protector of Earth from all kinds of mythical nasties.
Marvel head honcho 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.” The film will hit screens on 18th July 2016 but as with most Marvel characters there’s every chance we’ll see him long before that as a cameo in another Marvel property. Source – Marvel