'Doctor Strange' is another of Marvel Studios' live-action adaptation endeavors for Phase 3 of the shared Marvel Cinematic Universe. Benedict Cumberbatch is currently preparing for his title role of Sorcerer Supreme through bulking up, channeling his spirituality and talking about working with Marvel. Rachel McAdams was reportedly offered a part in the upcoming film but also expressed her desire to play a certain DC character.
Cumberbatch is reportedly bulking up to portray a more believable Doctor Strange straight from the comic books. He is well-recognized for his lean physique specifically for his iconic detective role in television's crime-drama 'Sherlock'. According to The Daily Mail, the English actor is reportedly racking up some extra muscle and pounds with a larger daily intake of calories, several protein shakes and even a personal trainer.
Apparently, Cumberbatch has a lot of respect for spirituality and Buddhism. He has even been to the Tibet - quite the coincidence since as Doctor Strange this is where he would meet the Ancient One. In a report by The Wall Street Journal, Cumberbatch has revealed that he is a big fan of meditation.
He said, "I meditate a lot... 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." He taught English to Tibetan Buddhist monks during his gap year. In other interviews, he even admitted to getting lost on treks in the Himalayas.
In the same report, he was asked if his role as a mystical superhero was a risk. He said, "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 [Derrickson] whose imagination is endless, and all the boys and girls at Marvel who know what they're doing."
It seems that the actor has befriended his character already. Rachel McAdams was also offered a part to star alongside him in 'Doctor Strange'. Blastr notes that McAdams confirmed that she already talked with Marvel about this mystery role but nothing official has been set just yet.
However, Amy Kaufman of L.A. Times posted a Tweet on her social media account that revealed McAdams desire to do a Black Orchid role. This character, part of DC's Suicide Squad and Justice League Dark, was created by author Neil Gaiman for his 'Black Orchid' miniseries.
'Doctor Strange' is the 14th independent installment in the shared universe created by the subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment. The live-action adaptation of the Marvel Comics superhero is set to be released on November 4, 2016 under the direction of Scott Derrickson.
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