Benedict Cumberbatch has officially signed on to portray the title character in Marvel Studio's "Doctor Strange."

According to Variety, the 38-year-old actor will play neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange, who, "after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions and becomes the next Sorcerer Supreme and primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats."

The character was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in 1963. Cumberbatch has been rumored to play the role since October, Variety noted.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has long been planning to bring Doctor Strange to life in the big screen. According to the news outlet, he aims to make "Doctor Strange" as a way to "make a movie about magic the way 'Guardians of the Galaxy' pushes the Marvel movie world into the sci-fi and space genre and 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' into political thrillers."

"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," Feige said, as quoted by Variety.

Jared Leto, Tom Hardy, and Joaquin Phoenix were also rumored in the past to portray the character, Daily Mail reported. Marvel's negotiations with Phoenix didn't push through because the actor has already signed on to other films, Variety added.

Cumberbatch is widely popular for playing the genius detective "Sherlock Holmes" in the BBC series "Sherlock." He recently starred as Alan Turing in "The Imitation Game" alongside actress Keira Knightley. His performance in the film was highly acclaimed, Daily Mail noted. The actor was also the voice behind the dragon Smaug and the Necromancer in "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies."

In addition, Cumberbatch voiced a wolf in "The Penguins of Madagascar." His upcoming projects include "Scott Cooper's Whitey Bulger movie 'Black Mass,' which also stars Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton," Variety reported.

Just recently, the actor announced his engagement through the Times newspaper with theater director Sophie Hunter, according to Daily Mail. However, there is no official announcement yet about the couple's exact wedding date.

"Doctor Strange" is slated to be released in theaters on November 4, 2016. The film is directed by Scott Derrickson with Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay, Marvel.com reported. Cumberbatch is the latest actor to join Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase 3, which is introducing "new heroes and continuing the adventures of fan favorites across multiple films."