Benedict Cumberbatch Speaks About His 'Doctor Strange' Role

In December 2014, Marvel announced that Benedict Cumberbatch had been cast for Doctor Strange. Even though the movie will not officially be released until November 4th, 2016, Cumberbatch is already preparing for the role. The Wall Street Journal conducted an interview with Cumberbatch and the following is some of the highlights from the interview:

Is taking on Doctor Strange a risk? What is alluring to you about playing him?

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. I’ve got to do that little stage production of “Hamlet” in the summer and the Christmas special of “Sherlock,” which we start shooting in about three days’ time – Whoops! Yeah, that’s there.

You once taught English to Tibetan Buddhist monks in India. Given Doctor Strange’s story line – he meets the Ancient One, who teaches him the mystic arts – will filming take you back to the Himalayas?

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.

Did you read the Doctor Strange comics growing up?

Growing up, no. I didn’t read many comics at all. Asterix a bit. I think that was it. There weren’t many comics in my household — [in a self-mocking voice] “I’m so deprived.” We didn’t have Marvel so much. But you can bet your bottom dollar I’m reading them now, avidly.

Marvel's Doctor Strange is scripted by Jon Spaihts and directed by Scott Derrickson. The storyline is based of neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.