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Benedict Cumberbatch Back in Talks to Be Marvel's 'Doctor Strange'

by Ethan Anderton
October 27, 2014
Source: Variety

After being in the running for the role of Doctor Strange this past summer, and then falling away for a few months, "Sherlock" and Star Trek Into Darkness star Benedict Cumberbatch is now in talks with Marvel to take the lead role in their Phase Three film. Previously, Joaquin Phoenix was the top pick, but a deal wasn't finalized. Marvel has been considering various names since then, and right now they're just trying to figure out if they can work around Cumberbatch's schedule in order to get him in the film directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister) and written by Jon Spaihts (Prometheus). That's some positively great news!

Ewan McGregor was the most recent name to be tied to the role, but there were other actors in the running as well like Jared Leto, Oscar Isaac, Matthew McConaughey, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ethan Hawke. In addition, Cumberbatch was said to be back in the running too, and he's long been the fan favorite choice to take the role, so this is a great snag for Marvel. Of course, Variety cautions a deal has yet to be finalized so anything can happen. But since Doctor Strange is rumored to hit theaters in 2016 as Marvel's most immediate project to follow Ant-Man, they better hurry up and get this squared away. Sound good?

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Reader Feedback - 21 Comments

I want Keanu!!

cg on Oct 27, 2014

It's confirmed that he's taking the lead role.

Big R on Oct 27, 2014

We need PROOF

davidshaw on Oct 27, 2014

Leto or McGregor please.

OfficialJab on Oct 27, 2014

Leto would be a great choice!

Ricardo_PT on Oct 27, 2014

As much as I really like Benedict Cumberbatch and a lot of the stuff that he's done I really don't want him as Dr. Strange. To me it just doesn't fit. I think Jared Leto is the perfect choice but failing that I'd rather see someone like Jake Gyllenhaal or even Keanu Reeves than Benedict.

izakkson on Oct 27, 2014

Gotta agree, would have loved if Keanu was Dr. Strange...

cg on Oct 27, 2014

Does this guy need to be in everything now? He's good, but he's not that good, very overrated imo.

Ricardo_PT on Oct 27, 2014

good idea!

Avi on Oct 27, 2014

He's awesome. Kicked ass as Khan, and a few weeks ago I watched the first ep of Sherlock, and it was great. He also is pretty dang cool as Smaug. So yeah, I'm completely up for this.

Chris Groves on Oct 27, 2014

Nice!

Xerxexx on Oct 27, 2014

Benedict is a rising star who is beloved and for good reason. I think that that he will do a respectable job. I just can't help but think that Marvel missed a beat on not using Keanu for this.

Maxx on Oct 27, 2014

Benedict is one of those actors who can do it all. He will pull this off nicely.

Rock n Rollllll on Oct 27, 2014

Better than Ewan at least.

Steven on Oct 27, 2014

AH YISS! The geeks and nerds have finally been answered. Our time is now. Alaka-muthafukin-zam~!

DAVIDPD on Oct 27, 2014

Please get that on a t-shirt. I'll buy 4.

T. Hakeem on Oct 28, 2014

Keanu would have been awesome. Cumberbatch is a great actor and would do fine; I just think Keanu be a perfect fit.

mooreworthy on Oct 27, 2014

This headline seems...familiar...

txJM on Oct 27, 2014

The best choice by far.

Miguel Garay Boszeta on Oct 27, 2014

He's always been my top pick for the role and now I'm even more geared up! Can't wait to see him take on a heroic role within a horror themed Marvel movie. And that voice...that deep, commanding voice...I can't wait to see him in the future rain down sorcery upon Thanos's minions and those that oppose him!

JBrotsis on Oct 27, 2014

Ethan Hawke would hit this outta the park!

Jeff Van Sickle on Oct 28, 2014

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