Benedict Cumberbatch is discovering the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions, as production on his new adventure fantasy film, ‘Doctor Strange,’ began today. The Academy Award-nominated actor is being joined by fellow Oscar nominee, Chiwetel Ejiofor, as well as Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mads Mikkelsen and Academy Award-winning actress, Tilda Swinton.

The superhero film is being directed by Scott Derrickson, who’s known for helming such hit horror movies as ‘Sinister’ and ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose.’ ‘Doctor Strange’ will be shot in several locations around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal. Once filming is completed, the drama will then be released in U.S. theaters by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on November 4, 2016.

‘Doctor Strange’ will follow the story of the title neurosurgeon, who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the world of magic. The superhero film is based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in ‘Strange Tales’ Issue 110, which was published in July 1963.

The movie, which is being made in conjunction with production company Marvel Studios, is continuing the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in such previous films as ‘Iron Man,’ ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ ‘Iron Man 2,’ ‘Thor,’ ‘Captain America: The First Avenger,’ ‘The Avengers,’ ‘Iron Man 3,’ ‘Thor: The Dark World,’ ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron‘ and ‘Ant-Man.’ Other upcoming Marvel films include ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ which is set to open on May 6, 2016; ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2,’ which will debut on May 5, 2017; and ‘Thor: Ragnarok,’ which is set for release on November 3, 2017.

‘Doctor Strange’ is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and nine films—is to introduce audiences to new heroes and continue the adventures of fan favorites.

Benedict Cumberbatch Becomes Doctor Strange as Marvel Film Begins Production
‘Doctor Strange’ concept art from the summer 2015 D23 Fan Expo in Anaheim.
Credit: Walt Disney Studios

Written by: Karen Benardello

By Karen Benardello

As a graduate of LIU Post with a B.F.A in Journalism, Print and Electronic, Karen Benardello serves as ShockYa's Senior Movies & Television Editor. Her duties include interviewing filmmakers and musicians, and scribing movie, television and music reviews and news articles. As a New York City-area based journalist, she's a member of the guilds, New York Film Critics Online and the Women Film Critics Circle.

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