Marvel Echoes Fan Demand..Benedict Cumberbatch In Final Talks For DOCTOR STRANGE

It's looks like Marvel's exhausting search is over. Variety is confirming that Benedict Cumberbatch is in final talks for the role of Doctor Strange. While his commitments to the next series of Sherlock and a play in London seemingly put him out of the running. The studio apparently is trying to work something out with him. Benedict had always been in the running, ever since the first group of candidates was reported on by trades. Having connections to both Star Trek and Hobbit franchises greatly helped his chances with awareness to international audiences. Not to mention the current awards buzz for his performance in The Intimidation Game, as legendary computer pioneer/code breaker Alan Turing. Fans have been asking for Cumberbatch to be consider way before the casting process even started. So, I'm sure that had some impact on who Marvel went after.

Production was expected to begin in the spring, around the same time as Captain America 3. However, since Cap 3 is shooting stateside Strange would be heading to the UK. The official date for Strange hasn't been announced, but it's expected to be July 2016. Marvel is setting up some sort of event for Tuesday, it's possible this will be the announcement made there. Scott Derrickson is directing with a new script from Jon Spaihts (Prometheus).

Strange is expected to be a huge role for the Marvel universe, chatter suggests that Stephen Strange will eventually replace Tony Stark as the face of the franchise.

SOURCE: VARIETY