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Report: Benedict Cumberbatch to play Doctor Strange

According to a new report from Deadline, Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will star in Marvel’s upcoming Doctor Strange movie.

Talks failed with actor Joaquin Phoenix and Cumberbatch is now the studio’s first choice. Negotiations are about to begin. Read more from Deadline:

“The news comes after talks with Joaquin Phoenix around the time of Comic-Con went south, and Marvel went back to the drawing board. With names like Jared Leto and Tom Hardy also in the mix, this is obviously a coveted role. I expect this deal to make.”

Cumberbatch is in the hunt for an Oscar for The Imitation Game. He has already won an Emmy for playing Sherlock Holms on BBC/PBS’ hit series Sherlock.

Scott Derrickson will direct the Doctor Strange film, and Jon Spaihts is writing the script. The movie will be based on the Marvel comics about the neurosurgeon who becomes Sorcerer Supreme.

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