Sci-Fi Storm

The rumors can end now, because they are true…Benedict Cumberbatch, who has suddenly become the quintessential British actor who is everyone’s first choice for any role that needs to be cast, except perhaps for female roles, and even then…is now going to step into the comics media world on the side of Marvel.

The actor, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series Sherlock as well as the evil Khan in Star Trek: Into Darkness, and most recently as the voice and mo-cap actor behind the dragon Smaug in The Hobbit films and Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate, will attempt to keep Disney/Marvel’s streak of hits alive in Phase 2 by taking on the role of Doctor Strange.

It took over a month, but reports are that the deal is done and producer Kevin Feige has scored another superstar to be a superhero.

Despite that the name “Benedict Cumberbatch” comes up in every dream casting call (Fred Flintstone? Benedict Cumberbatch! Lassie? Benedict Cumberbatch!), the role seems almost meant for him. From our earlier description:

The character of Doctor Strange is a former egotistical neurosurgeon who after becoming severely injured in a car crash to the point he could no longer conduct surgery and falls into bankruptcy trying to repair his hands, finds his way tho a hermit known only as the Ancient One – who after a selfless act by Strange teaches him the mystic arts. Strange then becomes the Sorcerer Supreme — the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats.

Benedict Cumberbatch!

Doctor Strange is scheduled for November 4th, 2016, and will be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe…so crossovers are possible.

The stars of Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, were not scheduled to appear for the Sherlock panel at Comic-Con – but they did make an appearance – via pre-recorded videos, while co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss and producer Sue Vertue were in person. Freeman appeared in his full Bilbo costume plus sunglasses, asking the audience to scream a lot and ask the panel a lot of “belligerent questions”, while Cumberbatch joked that he was there for a Star Trek: Into Darkness press junket.

The audience enjoyed a scene from the second episode of the upcoming third Sherlock series, where Holmes (Cumberbatch) delivers a Best Man speech to the groom, Watson (Freeman).

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who stole the TV screen for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the BBC’s modern retelling Sherlock, and will be the voice of the dragon Smaug in The Hobbit and the unconfirmed-but-everyone-is-pretty-certain-who-it-is villain in the sequel to Star Trek, appeared on VH1’s Big Morning Buzz, and discussed a bit about his Sherlock role and how he auditioned for the role on Star Trek via iPhone…check the excerpt below.

The second series of Sherlock will air on local PBS stations this weekend under Masterpiece Mystery!.
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