'Doctor Strange' movie release date, casting: Marvel eyes Benedict Cumberbatch for lead role

(PHOTO: REUTERS/FRED THORNHILL)Actor Benedict Cumberbatch attends a news conference for the film ''The Fifth Estate'' at the 38th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto September 6, 2013.

British Benedict Cumberbatch is Marvel's top choice to play the lead role on the cast of one of its upcoming movie releases, 'Doctor Strange.'

The coveted role as Marvel's Doctor Strange has gotten huge Hollywood names into consideration, with actors such as Jared Leto, Ryan Gosling and Ewan McGregor rumored to be up for the part.

However, it is the versatile Cumberbatch, who is leading the race, according to several reports.

Deadline mentioned that negotiations between Marvel and Cumberbatch could start soon, especially after a Nov. 4, 2016, Doctor Strange release date was revealed.

Many believe that the intensity and theatrics of Cumberbatch's acting will give justice to Doctor Strange's mighty sorcerer character.

His geek chops and versatility have earned him accolades and signature roles such as Sherlock Holmes in a BBC adaptation of the Shakespearean classic novel and the dragon 'Smaug' in 'The Hobbit' movies.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is obviously excited for the project, saying that the plot of Doctor Strange is expected to open up a new level of cinematic standards.

"In the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the supernatural, that involves everything from quantum mechanics to string theory," said Feige, in a statement posted on Marvel's official website.

"The idea of this film is to open up a whole new corner of the cinematic universe. We want to enter, through Strange, the world of parallel dimensions," the Marvel Studios President added.

The Doctor Strange movie will be directed by Scott Derickson, the same director who is responsible for movies such as The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) and The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008).

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