27 Oct 2014 1:21 PM PDT
Benedict Cumberbatch in talks with Marvel to play Dr. Strange, after the studios considered Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto and Tom Hardy. But now the studio has moved on to the hot-streaked and highly sought after Benedict Cumberbatch for the role. They seem determined to win him in the role.
Cumberbatch is currently a strong Oscar contender for his role as the brilliant genius Alan Turning in “The Imitation Game” which releases November 21st, and just won an Emmy for his role as Sherlock Holmes in BBC/PBS’ Sherlock.
Jon Spaihts is writing the script (updating a previous version from Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer) for the feature, and Scott Derrickson is slated to direct. Marvel’s Kevin Feige will be producing the film.
Doctor Strange was hatched by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko during that Marvel Comics heyday of the early 1960s. Dr. Strange is a neurosurgeon who becomes Sorcerer Supreme, protecting Earth against magical and mystical threats with powers of sorcery, mysticism, and martial arts.
We will continue to follow the progress of this deal and keep you posted. Stay tuned.