A few weeks ago, Marvel was in final negotiations with Oscar nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix to take the lead role of Dr. Strange, but unfortunately negotiations with Phoenix broke down at the last minute leaving the studio scrambling to find a leading man for the part of Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe. Actors in contention for the role included Jared Leto, Tom Hardy, Ethan Hawke, Keanu Reeves and Colin Farrell but it seems as if Marvel has found their man and have begun final negotiations with Benedict Cumberbatch.
Cumberbatch is [Marvel’s] choice to fill the role and that negotiations are “about to begin.” to play the character of Stephen Strange, a former neurosurgeon who is gifted with mystical powers, thus becoming the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. Cumberbatch’s deal will be contingent upon his schedule, which also includes another series of Sherlock, but with a film of this magnitude I imagine he’ll do everything possible to make it work. Not only does this mean Cumberbatch will be leading his own Marvel film, but he’s also joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so he will no doubt be sharing the screen with other Marvel characters in the near future
Cumberbatch is certainly no stranger to blockbusters considering his breakout year in film, starring in features such as Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug. If the deal goes through and Cumberbatch is confirmed for the role, he will work with director Scott Derrickson and screenwriter Jon Spaiths to bring the powerful yet, enigmatic Marvel hero to the big screen.
