Cumberbatch addresses Doctor Strange rumours

Benedict Cumberbatch doesn’t think he could play Doctor Strange even if it was “in the cards”.

The Sherlock actor has been linked to the Marvel character for weeks. During his first appearance at Comic-Con, the 38-year-old finally addressed the rumours.

“As far as I’m aware, even if that was the case, it couldn’t work out because I’m doing a little play called Hamlet in London,” he told MTV. “So I don’t think I could even if that was in the cards.”

The star is reportedly on Marvel’s wish list alongside fellow British actor Tom Hardy. Benedict attended Comic-Con to promote his latest movie Penguins of Madagascar but many fans of the event and the Marvel films believe there was more to his attendance. However the Star Trek: Into the Darkness star added that while he loves the sound of the role, it looks like he won’t get the chance to portray it.

“It sounds like a fantastic project. It’s a shame if I miss out, but who knows'” he said.

As well as taking on Hamlet, it was recently reported that Benedict will portray another of William Shakespeare’s famous characters, Richard III.

BBC Two confirmed in April he will take on the title role of the English king who reigned during the end of the Middle Ages in an upcoming telefilm executive produced by Sam Mendes, Deadline reported.

"Benedict's range and dexterity as an actor make him the perfect choice to bring one of Shakespeare’s towering characters to television," read a statement from the network.

"We're thrilled to welcome back Benedict Cumberbatch, one of the world's most brilliant and in demand actors, to play Richard III for @BBCTwo."

Benedict later confirmed the news himself in his own statement.

“I can’t wait to work with Dominic Cooke again to bring this complex, funny and dangerous character to life,” he said.