It’s not official yet, but it appears that Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) is set to be Marvel’s Dr. Strange.  According to Variety.com is in final talks and the deal is contingent upon his schedule.

Dr. Strange is Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige’s pet project and has been in the works.  Dr. Strange is a character that Stan Lee and Steve Ditko co-created in 1963.  The character, Stephen Vincent Strange, was a former neurosurgeon-who after an accident which takes away his ability to be surgeon-who becomes the next Sorcerer Supreme and must protect Earth against the mystical evils lurking throughout the universe.  The film doesn’t have an official release date but Marvel is most likely eying a 2016 release.

Before Cumberbatch the studio was eying Joaquin Phoenix for the role, but the parties couldn’t reach a deal. Other actors who were rumored to be considered included Keanu Reeves, Eric Bana, Johnny Depp and Jon Hamm. The film will be directed by Scott Derrickson.

Are you excited for this casting news?