Benedict Cumberbatch Says DOCTOR STRANGE Is An 'Astral Plane'; Teases 'Huge New Element'

Benedict Cumberbatch Says DOCTOR STRANGE Is An 'Astral Plane'; Teases 'Huge New Element'

The British actor teases the Marvel adaptation will introduce a new element to the shared cinematic universe, and talks working with director Scott Derrickson, as well as what attracts him to the role!

By DCMarvelFreshman - Jan 05, 2015 06:01 AM EST
Filed Under: Doctor Strange
Source: The Wall Street Journal


Benedict Cumberbatch acknowledged very briefly that he'd be headlining Marvel's Doctor Strange adaptation not too long after it was announced late last year, but the English actor offered much more when The Wall Street Journal pressed him at the Palm Springs Festival awards last weekend. When asked what attracted him to the Scott Derrickson-helmed project and whether or not it's a risk to take on, Cumberbatch replied: "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 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." For the record, the Astral plane is the second of seven other levels of existence — Physical, Causal, Akashic, Mental, Messianic, and Buddhaic planes — with connections to the physical world that only psychic beings can visit. That is certainly a new element to be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but nothing new or different to the comics, given Strange has always practiced Astral projection.

Anyway, when asked about the Ancient One (for whom Marvel is reportedly considering Morgan Freeman, Bill Nighy, and Ken Watanabe) and whether or not filming will take to the Marvel production to the Himalayas, Benedict Cumberbatch remained tight-lipped. "Ahh … you’ll have to wait and see," he teased. "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." Given Strange learns mystic arts from the Ancient One, Cumberbatch was then asked if he'd ever take on some mystic arts himself if he could. "I meditate a lot," he assured. "That’s a huge tool in trying to calm myself, get away from the crazy circus of it all, have a focused mind as well as be a kinder, considerate person in the world. I took a lot of stuff away from my experience in Darjeeling, West Bengal, right at the Nepali border. It was Tibetan Buddhist monks in a converted Nepali house in India, with a view of Bhutan. It was a profoundly formative experience at a very young age. It’s something I’ve tried to keep in my life. It features already." Lastly, Benedict Cumberbatch was asked if he read Doctor Strange comics growing up. "Growing up, no," he admitted. "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." 

Directed by Scott Derrickson, Doctor Strange is scheduled for release on November 4, 2016!
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DrKinsolving
DrKinsolving - 1/5/2015, 5:45 AM
Can't wait for this, Cumberbatch will own the role
mctrinket
mctrinket - 1/5/2015, 6:27 AM
Marvel is full of win, as usual.
DannRamm113
DannRamm113 - 1/5/2015, 6:27 AM
like a plane, this movie is going DOWN
Chcl
Chcl - 1/5/2015, 6:32 AM
he's sexy!
StSharp
StSharp - 1/5/2015, 6:32 AM
He's going to be a star!!!
Shazam
Shazam - 1/5/2015, 6:35 AM
Looking forward to this new take.... Oh, on a side note...

Rest in Peace my Man!...Stuart Scott.

dckizzle
dckizzle - 1/5/2015, 6:35 AM
Nice probably read dc lol didn't wanna say
themidnightking
themidnightking - 1/5/2015, 6:37 AM
Sounds good. Can't wait!
AstonishingArachnid
AstonishingArachnid - 1/5/2015, 6:38 AM
The perfect setting to introduce the Soul Stone. Which just leaves Time and (if it's not the staff) Mind.
Shazam
Shazam - 1/5/2015, 6:39 AM
@AstonishingArachnid

I was thinking the same thing my friend. Great minds do think a like.
GhostDog
GhostDog - 1/5/2015, 6:40 AM
Cumberbatch traveled the world and studied among monks and what not....i forgot. He's gonna kill it
MercwithMouth
MercwithMouth - 1/5/2015, 6:42 AM
I still just can't see him as Dr. Strange, but I'm certain he'll do great. And Derrickson has my full faith, ever since Exorcism of Emily Rose, he's been high up on my list of directors.
MightyZeus
MightyZeus - 1/5/2015, 6:43 AM
Please don't screw up Doctor Strange.

I love that Doctor Strange, i'd like to see him fight Loki in the near future.
AstonishingArachnid
AstonishingArachnid - 1/5/2015, 6:49 AM
@Shazam True dat

@PaddingtonBear7 That's a really interesting idea sense it would remove the need to chase a Mcguffin during the movie as the hero would already have it, kind of like if Thor's hammer was an Infinity Stone. Plus it would mean Thanos would have to go after Strange himself, or send someone to take it from him.
BobbyDrake
BobbyDrake - 1/5/2015, 6:49 AM
@AstonishingArachnid

I don't think it's the Loki's staff though. The last three stones are green, yellow, and orange. Don't think Thanos would give away one of the infinity stones anyway
AstonishingArachnid
AstonishingArachnid - 1/5/2015, 6:52 AM
@Melkatifox I always thought that Nightmare and Mordo would be the villains in the first movie with Dormammu pulling the strings, like Strange's own personal Thanos.
grif
grif - 1/5/2015, 6:53 AM
whatever. i will see it in 2017 i guess... waiting on the bluray
Carl
Carl - 1/5/2015, 6:55 AM
im scared for this film, Marvel has converted all their magic into technology for their films thus far.
I kind of wouldnt be surprised if rdj signed on as the ancient one who gives him his powers via machines or tech.
SuperCat
SuperCat - 1/5/2015, 6:57 AM
Bring on the Ancient One casting news!
LordDaredevil
LordDaredevil - 1/5/2015, 6:57 AM
God I love Cumberbatch. He's gonna be a great Doctor Strange.
BobbyDrake
BobbyDrake - 1/5/2015, 6:57 AM
Kinda want to see Strange team up with Iron Man in part 2 to finally take on the Mandarin
XelCorp
XelCorp - 1/5/2015, 6:58 AM
Wouldn't it be cool if we saw a few scenes that are similar to what took place in INSIDIOUS? That would be pretty cool imo
SnapperCarr
SnapperCarr - 1/5/2015, 7:00 AM
I cannot [frick]ing wait for this movie.
SnapperCarr
SnapperCarr - 1/5/2015, 7:00 AM
Hope they keep the Ancient One and Wong asian.
SnapperCarr
SnapperCarr - 1/5/2015, 7:01 AM
And I hope this leads to Midnight Sons with Blade, Ghost Rider, etc.
AstonishingArachnid
AstonishingArachnid - 1/5/2015, 7:04 AM
@Carl It's literally impossible to explain Loki and Frigga's abilities as science. It's magic plain and simple. Loki's had it since he was a baby as he took on the appearance of an Asgardian from birth. Only the stuff like the Bifrost has been called technology and advanced science. For example all they've said about Mjolnir is that it was forged in the heart of a dying star and that you need to be worthy to use it. They didn't say it's voice controlled or has a DNA lock. In AoU when Stark tries to rationalise it's power Thor just remarks he's not worthy, because he's not. It's enchanted to only be lifted by the worthy.
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