After months of speculation, Marvel finally announced last month that ever-popular actorBenedict Cumberbatchis set to take on the role ofDoctor Strange. Though the actor vehemently denied he was involved with the project last year, he recently opened up toThe Wall Street Journalabout taking on the role, which a lot of other actors were hesitant to sign on for. He doesn’t consider the movie a risk. But don’t expect any spoilers just yet, as he’s not allowed to talk about anything too specific.
Signing on toDoctor Strangewas easy forBenedict Cumberbatch. And that’s all because of one little word: Marvel. Asked about the risk factor involved with a movie that is set to take the Marvel movie universe in a totally new direction, the actor stated:
“I don’t think it’s a risk because of Marvel. Marvel is a stable of bringing out ordinary comic characters and turning them into screen-like gods. It’s very different, it’s an Astral plane. There’s a huge new element to this Marvel universe that’s going to be employed in building this story and this character. But you know, I’m really excited about it, about working with Scott [Derrickson] whose imagination is endless, and all the boys and girls at Marvel who know what they’re doing. I’ve got a few things to get under my belt first.”
Don’t expect any spoilers fromBenedict Cumberbatchjust yet. He won’t even reveal if the movie is set to shoot on location in the Himalayas. But he will admit that the story does take place in another spiritual dimension:
“Ahh … you’ll have to wait and see. I’m not going to be eked out on any spoilers or reveals now. It’s quite a way off but I’m very excited about that spiritual dimension, obviously. It’s something that’s been a huge part of my life.”
The most obvious question anyone can as an actor who is set to join the Marvel universe in some capacity is: Did you read the comic books growing up?Benedict Cumberbatchclaims that he hasn’t. But that is set to change:
“You can bet your bottom dollar I’m reading them now, avidly.”
Doctor Strangefollows the story of neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
