Benedict Cumberbatch Is Officially Marvel's DOCTOR STRANGE

‘Sherlock’ star to play the fan favourite…

‘The Imitation Game’ and ‘Sherlock’ star Benedict Cumberbatch is officially set to join Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, landing the coveted lead in Marvel’s big screen outing of ‘Doctor Strange.’

Created by Marvel legends Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Dr. Stephen Strange first appeared in the 1963 comic series ‘Strange Tales,’ and quickly became a fan favourite. After his career is destroyed, the brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.

“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” said Producer Kevin Feige. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”

Other high profile contenders for the role included Tom Hardy (‘Locke’), Jared Leto (‘The Dallas Buyers Club’), and more recently, Jack Huston (‘Boardwalk Empire’).

‘Doctor Strange’ has Scott Derrickson (‘Sinister,’ ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’) behind the camera with the film pencilled in for a Summer 2016 release.