Benedict Cumberbatch Confirmed For Doctor Strange

Marvel.com has confirmed that Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will play Stephen Strange in Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange.

"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."

Doctor Strange will be directed by Scott Derrickson, from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts. The film will tell the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.

News of Cumberbatch playing the role first surfaced just before Marvel Studio's announcement of their phase 3 plans, but remained unconfirmed, with Feige saying that anything not announced was, at that point, not official. This likely means that the studio was still working out negotiations with Cumberbatch, which have now been finalized.

Doctor Strange opens November 4, 2016.