Marvel.com has announced that Benedict Cumberbatch has been officially cast in the leading role for Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange," directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Jon Spaihts.

"Stephen Strange's story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity," Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige said in the official announcement. "In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."

Cumberbatch was widely reported to be cast for "Doctor Strange" in October, though Feige said the casting wasn't official when Marvel announced its upcoming film slate in October, and that if it were confirmed, it would have been revealed along with the Phase Three film slate.

Most fans will recognize Cumberbatch as the star of BBC's "Sherlock." His other roles include upcoming film "The Imitation Game," "Star Trek Into Darkness" and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug." He's also been cast in "Jungle Book: Origins" as Shere Khan. Cumberbatch was floated as a possibility to fill Doctor Strange's cloak as far back as June, after talks with Joaquin Phoenix reportedly fell through.

"Doctor Strange" is scheduled for release on Nov. 4, 2016.