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!
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!