In entirely not unexpected news, Benedict Cumberbatch has chased the world premiere of the latest Hobbit movie with the official confirmation that he has landed the role of Marvel's Doctor Strange for Scott Derickson's November 2016 release. Marvel have released an official press release confirming what most people suspected was already done; saying the 38-year-old British actor - surely a strong contender for a Best Actor nod for The Imitation Game - will be one of the new faces to lead Phase Three of the MCU. All we have of the suggested synopsis is that the film will follow the story of a talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who discovers a hidden world of magic and alternate-dimensions after being involved in a horrific car crash. Cumberbatch's tangible other-worldliness will clearly match that agenda well: the same thing that works for dragons and Necromancers works for sorcerors. Names as diverse as Joaquin Phoenix and Johnny Depp were linked with the role, but Cumberbatch has closed the deal, and according to Kevin Feige will "show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character. So that's the big news out of the way: the questions now will be concerned with the rest of the cast and of course what sort of villain he's likely to face off against. Will it be Dormammu and Baron Mordo? Would audiences respond with a CGI heavy cosmic universe movie? Are you excited to see Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
