After numerous casting rumors, Marvel now plans to sign with Olivier Award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch to the play role of the Sorcerer Supreme for the upcoming Doctor Strange film.

Marvel Studios is in final negotiations over the part, according to Deadline. Cumberbatch has long been rumored for Doctor Strange; his name was first attached to the project in a June 6 posting by Deadline.

The news comes after weeks of speculation over who would take the titular role of which Joaquin Phoenix backed out earlier in October. Subsequently, various candidates ranging from Tom Hardy and Johnny Depp to Keanu Reeves and Jared Leto have been mentioned.

Cumberbatch spoke to MTV in July about Doctor Strange during San Diego Comic-Con.

"As far as I'm aware, even if that was the case, it couldn't work out because I'm doing a little play called 'Hamlet' in London," he said. "So I don't think I could even if that was in the cards. It sounds like a fantastic project. It's a shame if I miss out, but who knows?"

Lyndsey Turner directed this "Hamlet," which stars Cumberbatch and ends on Oct. 31.

Directed by Scott Derrickson ("The Exorcism of Emily Rose," "Sinister"), with a script from Jon Spaihts ("Prometheus"), Joshua Oppenheimer ("Dylan Dog: Dead of Night") and Thomas Dean Donnelly ("Sahara"), the Doctor Strange film has not been given an official release date by Marvel. However, many believe that it will take the July 8, 2016, slot that the studio has claimed.

Many fans of the Marvel franchise may know Cumberbatch from his strong background in science fiction and fantasy acting, which include starring roles as Kahn in "Star Trek: Into Darkness," the voice of Smaug in "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" and the upcoming "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies."

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