Benedict Cumberbatch IS DOCTOR STRANGE

He was one of the first of many, many names entered into the running for the role, and it turns out that he was the last as well.

Marvel.com has just confirmed that Benedict Cumberbatch has officially signed on to play the title role in 2016’s Doctor Strange, ending months of casting rumors that had just about every male actor of a certain age being considered for the role.

Cumberbatch was first rumored to be up for the role back in June, which he quickly squashed during San Diego Comic Con in July, stating work conflicts that might keep him from the role. His name came back into contention in late-October and stayed there until today. In between, actors such as  Tom Hardy, Joaquin Phoenix, Ethan Hawke, Jared Leto, Ewan McGregor, Jake Gyllenhaal, Matthew McConaughey and Oscar Isaac were rumored to be in the running.

“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” said Producer Kevin Feige in the press release. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”

I agree with Mr. Feige. Cumberbatch is good at playing haughty characters that the audience can’t help but feel for. And if the film Stephen Strange hews at all close to the comic book version, he’ll rock as the character.

Doctor Strange is directed by Scott Derrickson with Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay. It is set to arrive in theaters on November 4, 2016.