With so many new films set for 2016, "Doctor Strange" has taken the back burner, but it doesn't mean news about it is on a standstill.

As reported by Movie Pilot, the first glimpse of Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character has already been released. Bet you didn't see that one coming.

As it turned out, "Doctor Strange" already started shooting on location in Nepal, and a Twitter usersneaked in a photo of Cumberbatch in action -- or at least, what looked like a heavily bearded version of the actor as Dr. Stephen Strange.

No official artwork has been released yet, so the on-set photo is proof of the project going forward. However, there was a concept art reel teased at the recent D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, but the concept art reel does not nearly compare to actual set photos. That being said, Disney and Marvel Studios are yet to release official images and/or footage from the film.

Judging by his appearance, Cinema Blend noted that the scene in particular takes place during the doctor's early origin story, when he's looking for a cure for his mangled hands -- way before he becomes the hero we know.

However, the photo does confirm a few key things about the film, as Movie Pilot noted. Among them is the fact that the film will stay faithful to the original comic-book origin story, including the fact that his mystical powers are going to have their Himalayan origin.

Doctor Strange's journey to the Himalayas also shows that a fans will see more than one side of the hero, including the less-than-charming times when he was an arrogant surgeon with a horrific injury that ended his career. He won't stay that way, though, as eventually, Doctor Strange will become the Sorcerer Supreme, defender of the earth against mystical forces.

The film will boast of an all-star cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor as the main antagonist Baron Mordo. Tilda Swinton will also be part of the film as The Ancient One, while Rachel McAdams will reportedly be playing some sort of version of Night Nurse.Recently, it was reported that "Boardwalk Empire" actor Michael Stuhlbarg is in negotiations, possibly as Nicodemus West, Strange's "rival scientist", while "Hannibal" actor Mads Mikkelsen is listed for an undisclosed role.

"Doctor Strange" is scripted by John Spaihts, and at the helm is Scot Derrickson. The film is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2016.

Are you excited to see Cumberbatch as a Sorcerer in the Marvel Universe?