After months of speculation, conjecture, and hang-wringing Marvel Studios finally cast its Dr. Strange...and it is, quite frankly, the perfect choice.
Over on Marvel.com, it has officially been announced that British thespian (and probably the hottest actor on the planet right now) Benedict Cumberbatch has been cast as the "Master of the Mystic Arts," Dr. Stephen Strange.
"Stephen Strange's story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity," Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige said in the official announcement. "In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."
Cumberbatch was widely reported to be cast for "Doctor Strange" in October, though Feige said the casting wasn't official when Marvel announced its upcoming film slate in October, and that if it were confirmed, it would have been revealed along with the Phase Three film slate.
Most will recognize Cumberbatch as the star of BBC's "Sherlock." His other roles include upcoming film "The Imitation Game," "Star Trek Into Darkness" and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug." He's also been cast in "Jungle Book: Origins" as Shere Khan. Cumberbatch was suggested as a possibility to take up Doctor Strange's mantle as far back as June, after negotiations with Joaquin Phoenix fell by the wayside.
A couple months back, I actually called this casting not because I'm some magical prognosticator, but because it is so damn obvious that Cumberbatch is perfect for this role I don't even know why they considered anyone else for a nanosecond.
"Doctor Strange" will be directed by Scott Derrickson, written by Jon Spaihts, and it is scheduled for release on Nov. 4, 2016.
