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SYFY WIRE doctor strange

Benedict Cumberbatch conjured costumed visit to comic book store while filming Doctor Strange

By Nivea Serrao
Benedict Cumberbatch Doctor Strange

Comic book characters have been making the jump to the big screen for decades now, but thanks to a suggestion from Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson, one of Marvel's finest actually got to go back and "revisit" his roots during the filming of his movie. 

Yesterday on Twitter, Derrickson shared a brief behind-the-scenes video that he recorded of the moment, which features lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch visiting a comic book store, while in full makeup and costume as Stephen Strange, much to the delight of fans and the store's employees (who even seem to forget to answer the phones while in the star's presence).

"Never before shown moment," said Derrickson in the tweet. "While shooting in Manhattan right in front of a comic book store, I spontaneously suggested to Benedict that he go inside and he agreed." 

Cumberbatch even used the moment to negotiate a potential back-up job, joking with the store's employees: "If the movie doesn't work out, if it bombs, can I come work with you?" 

Derrickson had previously signed on to direct the film's sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but stepped back from the role in January of 2020 citing creative differences. However, he will still remain on as an executive producer, with fellow director Sam Raimi (The Evil DeadSpider-Manpicking up the mantle

Cumberbatch is set to return to the role in the upcoming film, where he'll be joined by Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch, Benedict Wong as Wong, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo. The events of the film will tie into the upcoming Disney+ series WandaVision, which also stars Olsen. 

Due to delays brought on by the coronavirus epidemic, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will now hit theatres March 25, 2022, instead of its previously scheduled 2021 release date.