Empire conjures up two Doctor Strange covers
Empire Magazine has released the covers for their latest issue, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange front and center! Check out the Doctor Strange covers in the gallery below.
In addition, the outlet spoke to the actor who revealed he almost lost the role in the film. Before production began, and when Doctor Strange was set for a July 8, 2016 release date, Cumberbatch had signed on to play Hamlet in the autumn of 2015, putting the film’s summer 2016 release date in jeopardy.
“It just wasn’t possible,” director Scott Derrickson recalled to the outlet. “To his credit he said, ‘I can’t bail out of Hamlet. I’ve given my word.’”
Derrickson went on to explain that they spoke with a number of other previously rumored actors for the lead role including Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto and Ryan Gosling, but later went to Kevin Fiege and said the role had to go to Cumberbatch. As a result, the release date was briefly delayed, and Cumberbatch got the role.
“If you can’t jump on board when the ride’s going past. that’s usually it,” Cumberbatch admits, “So the hugest compliment they paid me was to come back to me. It motivated me to try to fulfil their faith in me.”
Doctor Strange also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) as Baron Mordo, Benedict Wong as Wong, with Tilda Swinton (Only Lovers Left Alive) as The Ancient One and Mads Mikkelsen (“Hannibal”) as the villain Kaecilius. Rachel McAdams (The Vow), Michael Stuhlbarg (Pawn Sacrifice), Scott Adkins (The Bourne Ultimatum), and Amy Landecker (“Transparent”) also star.
Doctor Strange opens in theaters on Friday, November 4, 2016.
