Benedict Cumberbatch talks meditation and comics to prep for Doctor Strange

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

I think it's safe to say that few people have any qualms with Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch playing the Sorcerer Supreme in Scott Derickson's DOCTOR STRANGE. While the news that he would be taking on the role hit about this time last month, Cumberbatch has been caught up in publicity for THE IMITATION GAME, which is receiving some great word of mouth regarding his take on cryptanalyst Alan Turing. Now that the man has had a chance to breathe, he spoke up a little about taking on the role. Some of you may be happy to see that he's diving headfirst into the spirituality of the character, especially given that he's actually spent some time with Tibetan Buddhist monks in the past. You can check out some tidbits below.

Benedict Cumberbatch on whether or not making DOCTOR STRANGE is a risk:

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. 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.

Regarding any plot points or possible filming locations in the Himalayas:

Ahh…you’ll have to wait and see. 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.

Whether or not he has a great interest in the mystic arts for himself:

I meditate a lot. 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.

If Cumberbatch is fluent with the comics of Doctor Strange:

Growing up, no. 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.

Cumberbatch has grown into a fan-favorite actor very quickly over the past couple of years and it's hard to deny his charm, especially when he's so enthused about taking on a project. Marvel has been spot-on in regards to casting the right names to play their characters and much like GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, DOCTOR STRANGE promises a very different sort of adventure for audiences. With Scott Derrickson (DELIVER US FROM EVIL, SINISTER) at the helm, I think this will be one gamble that pays off.

DOCTOR STRANGE will find its way to theaters on November 4, 2016.