After months of speculation Benedict Cumberbatch has been confirmed to play Marvel's Doctor Strange.
The Sherlock actor is thought to have won the superhero role after an extensive search which also saw Oscar winners Joaquín Phoenix and Jared Leto linked to the part.
The action film, due in cinemas in November 2016, follows Dr. Stephen Strange, who, after being involved in a car crash, becomes attuned to the world of magic and alternate dimensions.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige commented: "Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity.
In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”
Doctor Strange is among a raft of new comic book films envisioned by Marvel to continue the cinematic success of early releases Iron Man and Captain America.
The blockbuster, directed by Scott Derrickson, is part of Marvel's Phase Three of film releases along with the third Captain America and Thor films, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and fellow new franchises Black Panther - which will star Chadwick Boseman - and the studio's first female-led series, Captain Marvel.
The films will share interwoven storylines, leading to the highly anticipated two-part blockbuster, The Avengers: Infinity War, featuring beloved comic book favourites such as Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America.
The British actor could share the screen in that film with Robert Downey Jr., the highest paid actor of recent times, Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson.
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The role sees Cumberbatch follow in the footsteps of fellow Brit superheroes Henry Cavill, who is the current incarnation of Superman, Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield and former Batman star Christian Bale.
The 38-year-old has built a strong Hollywood career in recent years since shooting to fame in BBC's Sherlock.
He is currently starring in The Imitation Game and is hotly tipped to earn an Oscar nomination for his role as World War II codebreaker Alan Turing. The newly engaged star has also featured in Best Picture winner 12 Years a Slave, The Hobbit movies and Star Trek Into Darkness
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