The Making Of The MCU: 17 Fascinating Behind-The-Scenes Details You Need To Know

17. Benedict Cumberbatch Was A Frontrunner To Play Malekith

Years before he was cast as Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch was one of Marvel Studios' top choices to play the Malekith the Accursed, the villain in 2013's Thor: The Dark World.

The book explains that Cumberbatch was "intoxicated" with the MCU's mixture of themes, humour, and spectacle, making him a big fan of the franchise. But obviously, that Thor 2 gig ultimately didn't pan out, with Doctor Who alum Christopher Eccleston snagging the role instead.

Given that Cumberbatch has appeared in Infinity War, Endgame, and No Way Home, and has an insanely anticipated Doctor Strange sequel on the horizon... he probably doesn't regret how things turned out.