Marvel Sacrificed Box Office To Cast Benedict Cumberbatch Instead of an A-Lister in Unprecedented Decision

Doctor Strange has become one of the most recognizable and significant characters in the MCU. Although his beginnings were more modest compared to recent releases, he has emerged as a pivotal figure and will play a significant role in the future of the MCU.

While many fans now see Benedict Cumberbatch as the ideal Doctor Strange, it wasn’t always that way. Originally, the role was intended for Joaquin Phoenix. However, a single decision changed the direction of the MCU. Ultimately, casting Cumberbatch was deemed essential for the success of “Doctor Strange” at the box office.

In a recent interview with Slash Film, Scott Derrickson, the director of the origin movie, explained how Marvel Studios opted to forgo a summer release to secure the popular actor. The studio agreed to the plan, and it ultimately proved to be a wise decision.

So after giving [Joaquin Phoenix’s casting] a shot — we didn’t have a script, either. Keep that in mind. I think what he was very nervous about was he’d be committing to multiple movies, which is not the kind of thing he’s ever done. I just went back to Kevin [Feige] and I just said, ‘We have to move the date because it’s got to be Benedict.’ Kevin went to Bob Iger and Alan Horn, and told them what I said. To their credit, they moved the date and it became a fall movie.

Derrickson further clarified that this isn’t something the studio typically does; usually, profit takes precedence over artistic considerations. However, in this instance, they made an exception, putting art ahead of profit, for which he is eternally grateful.

In the end, it came down to the heads of Disney knowing they would make less money on the movie, but letting me as the director have the right actor for the movie.

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