Benedict Cumberbatch officially set to étoile, star in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’ 

‘Deadpool\': Ryan Reynolds to play Marvel antihero in Fox film »

‘Terminator Genisys’ trailer: Watch Schwarzenegger, Sarah Connor in action »

‘Preacher\': AMC greenlights pilot from Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg »

Benedict Cumberbatch officially set to star in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’

Benedict Cumberbatch. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Benedict Cumberbatch will star in “Doctor Strange.”

The actor behind genre greats Khan, Smaug and Sherlock has been confirmed for the role, according to a statement issued by Marvel Thursday.

Due in theaters Nov. 4, 2016, the upcoming Marvel project is part of the studio’s phase three roster of comic-book blockbusters and will be directed by Scott Derrickson (“Deliver Us From Evil,” “Sinister”) from a script by Jon Spaihts.

The film will bring to the screen Stephen Vincent Strange, the former neurosurgeon turned Sorcerer Supreme who is the Marvel Universe’s greatest protector against magical peril – and one of his fellow superheroes’ most sought-after advisors.

“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” producer Kevin Feige said in a statement. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”

First appearing in a Stan Lee-written and Steve Ditko-drawn story in “Strange Tales” No. 110 in 1963, the brilliant magician has fought such foes as the dread Dormammu of the Dark Dimension and the dream-powered Nightmare, all while sporting a red cape with a spectacularly high collar.

He has also been seen as a member of groups including the Defenders, New Avengers and Illuminati.

Marvel has teased a possible Doctor Strange project in its recent films “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Thor: The Dark World.” In the former, an espionage agent being interrogated by Cap, Black Widow and Falcon mentions Stephen Strange in a list of potential threats to and targets of the evil terrorist organization Hydra. And in the “Thor” sequel, Dr. Selvig’s chalkboard references the Crossroads, an interdimensional nexus that features heavily in Doctor Strange stories in the comics.

Cumberbatch’s casting comes after rumors that Joaquin Phoenix was being considered for the part. The English actor is no stranger to genre roles, with credits including “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “The Hobbit” films and BBC’s hit series “Sherlock.”

What do you think about the casting? Let us know in the comments.

– Gina McIntyre and Noelene Clark | @LATHeroComplex | Facebook

‘Guardians\': Chris Pratt talks action hero transformation

Robert Downey Jr. in talks to reprise Iron Man role for ‘Cap 3′

NYCC: Marvel unveils new Netflix series ‘Daredevil’ [photos]

‘Ant-Man\': First look at Paul Rudd as Scott Lang in Marvel film

” href=”http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-watch-adorable-groovy-groot-clip-video/” rel=”bookmark”>‘Guardians of the Galaxy\': Watch adorable, groovy Groot clip 

‘Guardians\': Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana tout Marvel adventure

‘Marvel Universe Live’ arena show: Behind the scenes

‘SNL’ spoofs Marvel success with ‘Guardians’ star Chris Pratt

More in: Movies, Benedict Cumberbatch, Doctor Strange, Marvel

Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange?!?! Amazing!!! Can't wait!!!

‘Game of Thrones\': First teaser features Arya Stark »

Exclusive: ‘Ultron Forever’ assembles time-traveling Avengers team »

‘Never Alone’ game smartly explores Alaska native tribal lore »

ICYMI, the #TerminatorGenisys trailer sees Emilia Clarke living up to her promise of a 'bad-ass' Sarah Connor. lat.ms/1zWpDll 58 minutes ago

@kinky_kings @north_porters @ArmitageGlobal @RCArmitage Not at all! Just RSVP beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern Friday 1 hour ago

@SweetPotato39 Just RSVP beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern 1 hour ago

‘Deadpool': Ryan Reynolds to play Marvel antihero in Fox film lat.ms/1AoyM6Y 1 hour ago

Our legion of super contributors is led by Hero Complex editor Gina McIntyre and Noelene Clark, and it includes writers Patrick Kevin Day, Blake Hennon, Rebecca Keegan, Susan King, Todd Martens and Jevon Phillips.