Benedict Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange! UPDATE: CONFIRMED!

Image by Anne Wu

UPDATE: 12/4/14 - Marvel.com has confirmed Cumberbatch's casting as Doctor Strange! While the press release is light on details we didn't already know, Marvel Studio's Producer Kevin Feige had this to say:

“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity. In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."

Variety, pretty much the most reliable source for film news you could ask for, is reporting that Marvel has finished it's hunt for the new Sorcerer Supreme, and the man they've chosen is none other than Smaug and Sherlock himself. He's reported as being in "final talks" which usually stands for "done deal" in Hollywood - but something could go horrible wrong at the last second, so cross your fingers.

What do you all think? I'm pretty excited - Cumberbatch has always shown gravitas, but in Sherlock he also shows the vulnerability needed to make Dr. Strange a real person, not just a caricature shouting "BY THE HOARY HOASTS OF HAGGOTH!" all the time.

Although, I'll be a bit sad if he doesn't shout that at least once.