Benedict Cumberbatch Downplays ‘Doctor Strange’ Casting Rumors [Updated]

Benedict Cumberbatch is one of this year’s top San Diego Comic-Con stars. Not only is the British actor here to talking about voicing a character in DreamWorks’ Penguins of Madagascar and playing two characters in Warner Bros.’ The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies but if rumors prove to, he could be here to officially join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A longtime subject of fan wishlists, speculation and rumors when it comes to his connections to Marvel, Cumberbatch was reported by the trades to be one of the contenders to play Doctor Strange or at least, a lead character in it just two months ago.

Doctor Strange has a director attached in Scott Derrickson (Sinister) and is all but officially confirmed to be coming in Marvel’s Phase 3. Whenever it releases, it will almost assuredly be unveiled at Marvel’s Comic-Con panel this Saturday along with what we hope are all of the nine unannounced projects currently scheduled between 2016-19.

Speaking with MTV about these rumors, Cumberbatch tries to play off the possibility by explaining that he’s locked into live theater but that’s not a long-term hurdle that could prevent him from joining a major film franchise (he was also previously a long-time rumored frontrunner to join Star Wars: Episode VII).

“As far as I’m aware, even if that was the case, it couldn’t work out because I’m doing a little play called ‘Hamlet’ in London. So I don’t think I could even if that was in the cards. It sounds like a fantastic project. It’s a shame if I miss out, but who knows?”

His lack of a denial about chatting with him when he later says “I couldn’t possibly comment,” is your confirmation that he’s been in talks with Marvel Studios (we confirmed this ourselves previously) and possibly still could be.

Would you like to see Benedict Cumberbatch appear on stage while being announced as a new member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

BONUS: During the Penguins of Madagascar presentation the panelists were asked what superhero character they’d like to play and the witty Cumberbatch responded with “Nurse Normal.”

DOUBLE BONUS: Rumor has it Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to play Doctor Strange! Click HERE for more.

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More: 5 Movies We Want Marvel To Announce At Comic-Con

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Guardians of the Galaxy opens August 1, 2014, The Avengers: Age of Ultron on May 1, 2015, Ant-Man on July 17, 2015, Captain America 3 on May 6 2016, and unannounced films for July 8 2016 and May 5 2017, July 28 2017, November 3 2017, May 4 2018, July 6 2018, November 2 2018 and May 3 2019.

Follow Rob on Twitter @rob_keyes for your Marvel movie and TV news!