Benedict Cumberbatch Dr Strange Part Confirmed; Release Date Coming 2016

Marvel is rumored to have chosen Benedict Cumberbatch to play Dr. Strange in the "Doctor Strange" movie which is due for release in July 2016.

Deadline first broke the news and noted that the star is in final negotiations with Marvel for the role.

Previous reports said Joaquin Phoenix was favored for the role, but then negotiations broke down after he could not commit to a series of films. Other actors were subsequently approached. Phoenix also never signed a contract or committed to the role which meant that Marvel could immediately start shopping the role to others who were interested. Deadline notes that among the other actors considered are Jared Leto and Tom Hardy.

Cumberbatch is currently in demand and is involved in a number of projects, including the ongoing hit series "Sherlock," in which he plays Sherlock Holmes. He recently won an Emmy Award for his role and could also be in the running for an Oscar award this year when the film "The Imitation Game" is released. The film, which is based on the life of Alan Turin,g has seen Cumberbatch's performance earning rave reviews from critics.

Many fans are no doubt pleased with the news that Cumberbatch is being offered the role as the actor is considered by many, especially those in the U.K., as a "national treasure."

He has also been instrumental in bringing several important villains to life, including 2013's "Star Trek: Into Darkness" in which he played the role of Khan Noonien Singh. He is also the voice of the dragon Smaug in the Hobbit films, the next installment of which is due for release this year.

IGN notes that Cumberbatch playing Dr. Strange could hinge on whether he is able to juggle his work in the "Sherlock" series with his film schedule. However, BBC managed to accommodate Martin Freeman when he was involved in the Hobbit film franchise. It would be no surprise if they accommodate Cumberbatch's film schedule, too.