Almost every leading man in Hollywood has had his name attached to 'Doctor Strange' since Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed the character's presence in the franchise's Phase 3 in May 2013. Feige and Marvel have only a few more steps to lock in Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme.
The "Sherlock" star has entered final negotiations for the part, according to Deadline. The studio originally offered the role to Joaquin Phoenix, but talks ended earlier this month without a serious deal offered. Marvel shopped around and expressed interest in Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy and Jared Leto.
Marvel hired Jon Spaihts to do a rewrite of the "Doctor Strange" draft script in June, according to Deadline. Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer turned in the original draft, and Scott Derrickson will direct the movie Marvel wants to release during the studios' Phase 3.
The Marvel character made his debut in "Strange Tales #110" in July 1963. The former neurosurgeon serves as the Sorcerer Supreme who is the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats.
Doctor Strange received a name drop in Marvel's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." Disgraced S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sitwell revealed Stephen Strange along with Tony Stark and Bruce Banner as potential targets of HYDRA's plan to eliminate any person who could pose a threat to the subversive organization.
"Doctor Strange" will premiere on July 8, 2016. The release date comes a couple months after the set premiere for "Captain America 3," which will find Steve Rogers battling against his fellow Avenger Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man.
