Benedict Cumberbatch almost lost out on his “Doctor Strange” role in order to play this stage icon
Benedict Cumberbatch almost lost out on his “Doctor Strange” role in order to play this stage icon
Benedict Cumberbatch was almost Doctor Nobody, after his role was almost given away in Doctor Strange! The 40-year-old actor, who is set to play Doctor Strange in the upcoming Marvel film, almost lost out on the role completely and you’ll never guess why.
Cumberbatch, who is known for his role as Sherlock Holmes on Sherlock (among many other notable roles), wanted nothing more than to play Dr. Stephen Strange in the newest Marvel film, Doctor Strange, which hits theaters in November, but one thing stood in his way — William Shakespeare!
In an interview with Empire, Cumberbatch revealed he thought he missed his chance to play the hero due to scheduling conflicts. In fact, he had already committed to starring in Hamlet in London, so he wouldn’t be able to make the filming schedule. After meeting with a lot of different actors, the film’s director, Scott Derrickson, said, “It’s got to be Benedict.”
After deciding not to go against his word and stay with Hamlet, Cumberbatch thought he’d lost this part forever, but luckily he got a second chance.
“I really did think I had to kiss it goodbye,” Cumberbatch told Empire.
The Marvel film eventually worked out a way to push back production and changed its release from a summer 2016 release to a fall 2016 release instead, making it possible for the British actor to finish his Shakespeare play and film the superhero flick.
“If you can’t jump on board when the ride’s going past. that’s usually it, so the hugest compliment they paid me was to come back to me. It motivated me to try to fulfill their faith in me,” Cumberbatch admitted to the publication.
Thanks to a lot of hard work and production switches, Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange and you can see him on the big screen when the movie hits theaters on November 4, 2016.
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