# Benedict Cumberbatch is Dr Strange **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 27, 2014, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681 "2014-10-27T19:24:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/21 "2014-10-28T12:34:57Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > Yeah, that’s what people said about Chris Evans and he managed to nail the part. I’ll give 'em the benefit of the doubt for now. I dunno, _Fantastic Four_ wasn’t that successful… ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/22 "2014-10-28T13:16:18Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > I dunno, _Fantastic Four_ wasn’t that successful… And that wasn’t the MCU… 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/23 "2014-10-28T13:51:20Z")
I don’t think he’ll be terribly good in the role, but he’s a savvy enough pick. All the MCU fans will see the movie anyway and the gaggles of BBC fans who wouldn’t have otherwise bought a ticket will do so because BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/24 "2014-10-28T15:05:26Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > Can he pull off an American accent? If Chris Hemsworth can play Thor, Benedict Cumberbatch can play Dr Strange. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/25 "2014-10-28T15:08:02Z")
> [@Sr\_Siete](#): > > I’ve always thought that “Good Night and Good Luck” David Strathairn would make an excellent Strange. Of course, there’s no way they won’t cast a younger actor for the role. David Strathairn I want to see in a _Lincoln_ prequel, playing Seward in a movie about the beginning of Lincoln’s administration. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/26 "2014-10-28T15:18:03Z")
I know very little about the character. How important is it that Strange be American? And don’t just say “he’s American in the comics”; some characters, like Tony Stark or Steve Rogers have an “Americanness” to them that is inseparable from their character - and some don’t. Rocket Raccoon, for instance, was generally considered to have a British accent before the recent movie. Could Strange speak the Queen’s English and still be Strange? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/27 "2014-10-28T15:20:57Z")
BD Wong as Wong? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/28 "2014-10-28T15:42:11Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > I know very little about the character. How important is it that Strange be American? Nationality probably isn’t that important, as Strange usually talks like a college professor. The character is a NYC native, but doesn’t display any distinct regional mannerisms IIRC. Of course, the moviemakers might jazz up his stuffy image a little. Originally, Strange was a top-notch surgeon who cared more for the money and prestige than actually helping people. He later had some kind of accident that made his hands unstable and rendered him unable to operate. He searched the world over for a cure and found The Ancient One in Tibet, who took him in and helped him overcome his selfish ways. Strange remained for years, studying to become a sorcerer. So, his speech would probably have an Eastern influence. It’s not essential that he be American, but they probably don’t want to risk alienating the fanboys. ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/29 "2014-10-28T15:42:27Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > I know very little about the character. How important is it that Strange be American? > And don’t just say “he’s American in the comics”; some characters, like Tony Stark or Steve Rogers have an “Americanness” to them that is inseparable from their character - and some don’t. Rocket Raccoon, for instance, was generally considered to have a British accent before the recent movie. Could Strange speak the Queen’s English and still be Strange? He might be even stranger… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/30 "2014-10-28T15:45:14Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Can’t blame the guy for wanting to grab the big paychecks while he can. He’s not going to make the massive pile by doing roles from the classics (more’s the pity). He’s the Hot Actor Of The Moment. We’re going to see him in a bazillion different things and while I sometimes tired of the people in this position (See: Jim Carrey, Ben Stiller, etc), I can never blame them for grabbing everything and every dime they can while they can. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/31 "2014-10-28T15:55:55Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > He’s the Hot Actor Of The Moment. We’re going to see him in a bazillion different things and while I sometimes tired of the people in this position (See: Jim Carrey, Ben Stiller, etc), I can never blame them for grabbing everything and every dime they can while they can. Also, he’s British. British actors never turn down a gig. I think he’ll have more staying power, though. He’s exactly the kind of British character actor Hollywood loves - think James Mason or Robert Shaw or Gary Oldman or Alan Rickman. 20 years for now he’ll be the go-to guy for playing villains or mentors in major blockbusters and for lead roles in costume dramas and Oscar bait. ---
**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/32 "2014-10-28T15:57:49Z")
> [@well\_he\_s\_back](#): > > It’s a rule now the Benedict Cumberbatch must be in _everything_. He’s like the current flavor starlet, having a moment. You mean like Elizabeth Banks? She is in EVERYTHING and I don’t know why. She’s pretty and not a bad actress, but there are a million better. ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/33 "2014-10-28T16:02:22Z")
If there is some law that half of Americans in movies and TV have to be Brits, I could probably think of a bunch of Brits that would make a better Strange than Cumberbatch. ---
**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/34 "2014-10-28T16:38:25Z")
> [@levdrakon](#): > > If there is some law that half of Americans in movies and TV have to be Brits, I could probably think of a bunch of Brits that would make a better Strange than Cumberbatch. We Americans like to use Brits when the character needs to sound all smarty and high faluting. Kind of like Brits like to use Americans whenever they need someone good looking in their films. ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/35 "2014-10-28T16:56:51Z")
> [@Cubsfan](#): > > We Americans like to use Brits when the character needs to sound all smarty and high faluting. > > Kind of like Brits like to use Americans whenever they need someone good looking in their films. You haven’t seen The Walking Dead I take it? The Brits have southern drawls. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/36 "2014-10-28T17:01:23Z")
> [@Cubsfan](#): > > You mean like Elizabeth Banks? She is in EVERYTHING and I don’t know why. She’s pretty and not a bad actress, but there are a million better. She’s in so many movies, she has to use a different name and call herself Rachel McAdams in half of them. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/37 "2014-10-28T17:04:49Z")
> [@Knowed\_Out](#): > > Originally, Strange was a top-notch surgeon who cared more for the money and prestige than actually helping people… He’s American, because he’s not called “Mr. Strange.” ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/38 "2014-10-28T17:06:38Z")
> [@jimbuff314](#): > > I do believe this to be a slam at the Okie accent. Fortunately, I am not so afflicted. What? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/39 "2014-10-28T17:07:22Z")
> [@levdrakon](#): > > If there is some law that half of Americans in movies and TV have to be Brits Not a law. But it was a complicated deal that was worked out. If Robert Downey Jr got to play Sherlock Holmes, Hollywood had to let either Jonny Lee Miller or Benedict Cumberbatch play an American super-hero. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2014, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681/40 "2014-10-28T17:40:53Z")
I can’t say I’m a huge Dr. Strange fan, but I can see Cumberpatch in the role. He could do very well in it. > [@Kimstu](#): > > (I still think it sounds a bit weird to call actresses “actors”, but I’m trying to get with the program. Maybe they will eventually all become gender-nonspecific “portrayers” or something like that, as “waiters” and “waitresses” morphed into “servers”.) I still think there is a qualitative difference between actors and actresses in what they do. They remain in separate award categories for the Oscars and Emmys, for instance, and IMHO appropriately so. > [@Cubsfan](#): > > We Americans like to use Brits when the character needs to sound all smarty and high faluting… Or eeeeevil: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bls1KKDwmo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bls1KKDwmo) > [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > She’s in so many movies, she has to use a different name and call herself Rachel McAdams in half of them. :: rimshot :: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benedict-cumberbatch-is-dr-strange/702681.md?page=3)