Benedict confirmed for Dr. Strange

Benedict Cumberbatch to play Doctor Strange.

Following months of rumours, casting shake-ups and names pulling out, Marvel confirmed on Thursday Sherlock star Benedict will be taking on the titular role in their upcoming movie.

Doctor Strange, due for release on November 4, 2016, is based on the eponymous Marvel comic books that centre on a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon named Stephen Vincent Strange. The doctor’s life becomes transformed when a sorcerer takes the physician under his wing to save the world from evil.

“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity”, producer Kevin Feige said after confirming the casting. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”

The movie will be directed by Scott Derrickson, with Jon Spaihts penning the screenplay.

In October, it was reported Joaquin Phoenix had pulled out of the running for the role.

Other actors reportedly being considered included Ethan Hawke, Tom Hardy and Jared Leto.

While Benedict’s casting has now been confirmed, the role is the latest in a string of parts for the busy actor.

He has just finished shooting political drama Black Mass with Johnny Depp and voicing a role in upcoming animated fantasy film Magik.

He will then start work on The Yellow Birds, before recording his voicing of Shere Khan for Jungle Book: Origins.

Things have also been busy in Benedict’s personal life. The actor recently hit headlines when he announced his engagement to theatre director Sophie Hunter in Britain’s The Times newspaper.