Cumberbacklash: Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange angers Marvel fans
The Sherlock star is strongly rumoured to be taking on the superhero role
Wednesday 29 October 2014
The Marvel universe exploded yesterday, first with news that Benedict Cumberbatch is favourite to play Doctor Strange, and later with the big announcement about upcoming superhero movies.
But, somewhat surprisingly given his at times scarily-dedicated Sherlock fanbase, not everyone was impressed with the Cumberbatch rumours.
Comic book writer JM DeMatteis may have branded it the "best comics-to-screen casting since Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man", but some Marvel fans were so disgusted by the news that they dramatically announced their intentions to boycott the movie.
It seems that, inevitably, people are starting to get sick of Cumberbatch following his recent exposure (in Star Trek, The Hobbit, and most recently as persecuted World War II codebreaker Alan Turing in Oscar-tipped biopic The Imitation Game).
We are approaching peak Cumberbatch. The Cumbercrash of 2016 will be devastating.
— Shame Spirograph (@TalkingStapler) October 27, 2014
Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange? Well, I'm officially not watching it. Or any Marvel movie with him.
— Michell-o-ween M (@blkMYmorris) October 27, 2014
bye marvel! it was nice knowing you! too bad you literally ruined your entire franchise by casting benedict cumberbatch as doctor strange!
— team arrow meghan (@benaffIecks) October 27, 2014
If Marvel announces Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange, I will most likely die on the inside in a bad way
— ghost will (@vvilliam_) October 28, 2014
One other major problem is the studio's poor track record for racial diversity. The last five Marvel films have had white, male leads and female characters are repeatedly slotted into supporting roles.
I adore Benedict Cumberbatch, but REALLY?? They cast a white guy as Dr Strange? C’mon, Marvel, you can do better than that.
— e (@word_carpentry) October 27, 2014
A huge reason why I'm not okay with Benedict Cumberbatch being Stephen Strange bc dude they picked white over representing a diverse culture
— ♛Queen Nugget♛ (@wowsospoopy) October 28, 2014
There are black and female-led superhero movies on the way – Black Panther and Captain Marvel – but Doctor Strange could be played by an actor of any race.
Of course, the masses soon came out to defend their "awesomely talented" and "absolutely gorgeous" Hollywood hero from the so-called 'Cumberbacklash', so perhaps those cinema seats will be filled after all, should he sign on the dotted line as expected.
Apparently Benedict Cumberbatch has landed the role of DOCTOR STRANGE. On the count of 3 shall we all scream, "Yes!" together?
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) October 27, 2014
I really hope Benedict Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange, I'll be very disappointed if he isn't.
— Sp00keon (@Freedomeon) October 29, 2014
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange? That's perfect!
— Ryan Danger (@RyanDangerPrime) October 29, 2014
I hope the news of Benedict Cumberbatch playing Doctor Strange is true
— Spencer (@SpencerBLUR) October 29, 2014
Directed by Scott Derrickson, Doctor Strange is scheduled for release on 8 July 2016.
Read more: Benedict Cumberbatch in talks to play Doctor Strange
Watch: Benedict Cumberbatch films Smaug for The Hobbit
Watch: Benedict Cumberbatch inpersonates Ja Ja Binks
Will explain back story to fictional kingdom Westeros
Arts & Ents blogs
- 1 'Nasa Confirms Six Days of Darkness in December': No, they don't - it's a hoax
- 2 It's not hard to see why Palawan was voted the best island in the world
- 3 Hugh Jackman skin cancer: Actor treated for basal cell carcinoma on his nose for third time in under a year
- 4 Elizabeth Norment dead: House of Cards actress honoured by Kevin Spacey after she dies aged 61
- 5 Sex with more than 20 women 'reduces risk of prostate cancer'
-
Interstellar review: Christopher Nolan's new blockbuster is a true epic
-
This is what a film sex scene actually looks like on set (mostly awkward)
-
Cumberbacklash: Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange angers Marvel fans
-
American Horror Story, Massacres and Matinees, review: Twisted yet weirdly compelling with hints of Glee
-
Downton Abbey season 5 episode 6 - review: Thomas and Lady Edith show sad signs of the times
-
Pope Francis declares evolution and Big Bang theory are real and God isn't 'a magician with a magic wand'
-
Huge surge in Ukip support after EU funding row, according to new poll
-
Ukip ‘exploiting grooming scandal’ to secure party’s first police chief
-
Nigel Farage: 'There’s nothing wrong with white people blacking up'
-
Tony Blair 'says Ed Miliband will lose 2015 general election'
-
Single mother-of-five made homeless by benefits cap turns to Supreme Court over Westminster Council's attempts at 'social cleansing'
Follow Simon Calder's journey in Cuba
As winter takes hold in Britain, sunny days and warm nights await in the Cuba.
Playing a strong hand
How mobile technology has changed the instant trading game
i100: A single mother on benefits who became one of the world's most successful authors
11 rags-to-riches underdog success stories
Made of London Series
England’s most-capped player tells 50 lucky Evening Standard readers at The Counting House that Stuart Lancaster can lead his team to World Cup glory next year.
From medieval to ultramodern
Mons is embracing the future as it prepares for its role as next year’s European Capital of Culture, but it’s also steeped in intriguing history. Philip Sweeney explores its two sides
Lines Ruled
Lines ruled at New York Fashion Week as highlighter stripes took centre stage. Emma McCarthy gets next season’s look now.
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.