Marvel adds yet another super-powered heartthrob in its movie lineup: Benedict Cumberbatch as the magical Dr. Strange. The movie is expected to be released in 2016. Joaquin Phoenix, alongside other big names such as Jared Leto, Tom Hardy and Ethan Hawke, was previously rumored to be in talks with Marvel for the role.
While Marvel die-hards will be familiar with this comic book character, casual fans might not be so well informed. Marvel’s founder Stan Lee and comic artist Steve Ditko imagined the fictional character in the 1960s when the comic book was at its prime. Dr. Stephen Strange is a former neurosurgeon-turned-mystical-guardian who protects the world from supernatural forces and threats.
“They’ll probably get it right,” said Ben Saunders, director of the Comics and Cartoons Studies minor at the University of Oregon. “…Dr. Strange is supposed to be a little bit creepy, which I think Benedict Cumberbatch can play very well.”
And Cumberbatch, renowned for his acting chops, also holds a strong female following.
“Benedict Cumberbatch could play a sack of potatoes and still be great,” said Sydney Fournier, a University of Oregon junior and long-time admirer of the actor. “The British accent kind of just tops everything off…and I’m just a puddle.”
Do you think Benedict Cumberbatch will do Dr. Strange justice? What other actors could you see casting spells and saving the world? Here are five other actors the Emerald feels are worthy to don Dr. Strange’s magical robes.
Johnny Depp – Dr. Strange is… well, strange, and Depp’s body of work definitely fits that description. Not only is Depp a talented actor and adored by millions, his facial hair oddly resembles that of the great magician.
Clive Owen – This devilishly handsome British actor already portrayed a cocaine-addled surgeon in the year 1900 on the Cinemax show The Knick. Owen had also been rumored to be the next James Bond following Pierce Brosnan; though Daniel Craig eventually landed the role, Owen could trade in a suit and gun for robes and spells and still pull it off. Give Owen a Marvel movie!
Joaquin Phoenix – One of the actors rumored to be considered for the role, Phoenix has just the right combination of eccentricity, looks and raw, animalistic talent to create an effective Dr. Strange. It’s no wonder he was thought to be one of Marvel’s first choices.
Matt Bomer – If Marvel wanted a younger version of Dr. Strange that is the perfect blend of charm and ego, Bomer is an excellent choice. His character on “White Collar” shares similarities with Strange that would make Bomer a natural for the part. Now that “50 Shades of Grey” has cast Jamie Dornan for the role of Christian Grey, Bomer could look to Marvel for his next gig.
Robert Downey Jr. – Okay, yeah, he is Iron Man, but that doesn’t mean RDJ wouldn’t be a perfect fit for Dr. Strange. Not only does his facial hair match the magician’s, Downey Jr.’s mix of irresistible charm and arrogance would make for a convincing Dr. Strange. But, of course, Downey Jr. could get away with anything.
Beau Hashim, an avid Marvel comic reader, believes that Marvel can do no wrong. “No matter who plays Dr. Strange, you know Marvel knows what it’s doing.”
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