Benedict Cumberbatch toils with mysteries in Sherlock Holmes and deciphers enigmas in the cruel world of WWII introduced by The Imitation Game. Late October rumors about the actor pointed at his joining the Marvel world of superheroes, in a movie adaptation for 2016. Now it is official, Doctor Strange has found its lead in the English actor and this role goes down on an already paved road of malice and wizardry.
Previous leads to play Doctor Strange in the upcoming production included names like Jared Leto or the almost winning Joaquín Phoenix. The 2016 movie will be directed by Scott Derrickson, known for the disputed horror The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) or the more recent Deliver Us from Evil (2014) or Sinister (2012), whose part two is now filming and will be released in 2015. The screenplay of the movie is attributed to Thomas Dean Donnelly and Steve Ditko is linked to the comic book and characters. The plot of the movie reveals a magical atmosphere with dark touches. Doctor Stephen Strange is a ‘’brilliant but arrogant surgeon’’, whose life is changed completely by an accident which gravely injures his hands. Encountering the sorcerer known as the Ancient One reshapes the surgeon’s destiny, as the wizard promises to heal his wounds, but in fact wishes to turn Doctor Strange himself into a feared sorcerer.
Benedict Cumberbatch is the best fitting actor for the role and producer Kevin Feige is one of his great supporters. He states via Marvel.com: “Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity’’ and with these words he actually describes The Imitation Game’s lead, as a complex and genuine actor. What is more, he is positive that the newly accepted Marvel lead will deliver an unforgettable Doctor Strange: ‘’In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.” Maybe his voice as Smaug and the Necromancer role in The Hobbit franchise did have a say in his ability to understand ferocious, magical, dark and sorcery-like characters.