Doctor Strange Director Shares Benedict Cumberbatch Concept Art

Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson has given movie fans an early Christmas present with what appears to be the first bit of concept art from the movie.

"Strange but not a stranger" - Talking Heads pic.twitter.com/30lPiwfGhk

— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) December 22, 2014

He shared an image to Twitter showing recently confirmed leading man Benedict Cumberbatch sporting the Marvel superhero's trademark 'tache and goatee beard - with cosmic imagery "projected" onto his face.

The filmmaker did not confirm whether the pic was official artwork or an exceptionally good bit of fan art, captioning it simply: "Strange but not a stranger - Talking Heads."

Part of Marvel Studios' "phase three" raft of movies, Doctor Strange is scheduled for release in the autumn of 2016.