MCU: 10 Fascinating Facts Behind Doctor Strange (2016)

In 2019, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role of Doctor Strange. Not only have audiences seen Benedict Cumberbatch own the role in the character’s solo film, they’ve also seen him perform so well that he became a near-constant scene-stealer in the constantly crowded Infinity War.

Which is what makes it so surprising to learn that Cumberbatch actually originally turned down the role when approached.

At the time, Marvel Studios was looking to get the film done in time for a July 2016 release date, which meant the shooting schedule would have conflicted with Cumberbatch’s prior agreement to perform the starring role in a rendition of Hamlet. So despite the fact that he was Marvel’s first choice to play the role and the fact that he was very interested in the character, he had to decline.

A few months later, the shooting schedule was pushed back, with the film instead now slated for a November 2016 release. Thus, Marvel approached Cumberbatch again, who was free and ecstatic to take the part.