It's official! Benedict Cumberbatch WILL be playing Doctor Strange in the forthcoming Marvel Studios movie of the same name.

The 38-year-old Brit, best-known for his roles in Sherlock, The Hobbit trilogy and Star Trek: Into Darkness, will play the cult superhero - who rose to popularity in the psychedelic 1960s.

OFFICIAL: Benedict Cumberbatch to play #DoctorStrange, in theaters November 4, 2016: http://t.co/p2QIRIWixn

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) December 4, 2014

Marvel's unusual character is a brain surgeon who damages his hands in a car crash and - in his attempts to heal them - meets the Earth's "Sorcerer Supreme" and is introduced to the mystic arts.

Following the death of his mentor, he later inherits that lofty title himself and draws on magic to defend the planet against mystic threats.

Marvel's creative chief Kevin Feige commented: "Stephen Strange's story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity.

"In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."

Directed by Scott Derrickson, the Doctor Strange movie is set for release in November 2016 and is yet to have the rest of its cast revealed.