First it was "Walk The Line" actor Joaquin Phoenix, who among other top contenders (including Johnny Depp & Jack Huston) in playing the main role in Marvel's Doctor Strange movie was reported dropping out in all negotiations with the company, choosing to work with unconventional productions rather than signing a multi-picture contract with the superhero studio. This left many followers wondering who would play the role, especially when production has announced plans of pushing through with filming, only days after Phoenix turned down the role:
"reports that Marvel is "in advanced negotiations" to shoot Doctor Strange at Pinewood-Shepperton. Early work is apparently underway to, with a crew "being assembled for a move into Shepperton in late 2014/early 2015" (via Screen Rant)
Keanu Reeves was also rumored to take on the role of the mystic doctor, but then later on addressed the issue.Here's a report from the Collider earlier in the year:
"From a practical standpoint the idea of a longtime contract is sort of "errr" because you want to make sure the material is up to a certain level. Like the good or great level. I like the idea. I go to those kinds of movies. I grew up on them and comics and graphic novels. [But] I didn't know Doctor Strange as a character, I didn't read that as a kid. I'm gonna have to read it. I remember reading something... who's going to play Doctor Strange? Would I be good for the role?"
A short list of other actors including Jake Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell and Matthew McConaughey has been published by various websites; a roster all in contention of bagging the role.
Back in October, it was rumored that "Sherlock Holmes" actor Benedict Cumberbatch was also in contention of taking the title role; Marvel kept mum on the news neither denying nor confirming the news.
Fast forward to today, the superhero studio broke the news making everything official: Benedict Cumberbatch will portray the Sorcerer Supreme in 2016's Doctor Strange.
Here's a quote from producer and Marvel president Kevin Feige from Empire Online:
"In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."
The Sorcerer Supreme Hero will reach the big screen with the help of Director Scott Derrickson, who also directed Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005). Derrickson will be joined by John Spaihts as the writer, who also is responsible for the screenwriting for Prometheus (2012).
Stay tuned to The Franchise Herald for updates on The Doctor Strange movie, cast and trailer.
