via.radiotimes

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-01-05/benedict-cumberbatch-im-very-excited-about-that-spiritual-dimension-of-doctor-strange-role

After months of speculation, it was announced that Benedict Cumberbatch would indeed be taking on the title role in Marvel’s upcoming Doctor Strange film. And while the character is lesser known, the actor doesn’t have any reservations about the role.
“I don’t think it’s a risk because of Marvel,” Cumberbatch tells the Wall Street Journal. “Marvel is a stable of bringing out ordinary comic characters and turning them into screen-like gods.”
Although Cumberbatch does admit that “it’s very different” to what we’ve seen before.

“It’s an Astral Plane. There’s a huge new element to this Marvel universe that’s going to be employed in building this story and this character. But you know, I’m really excited about it, about working with Scott [director Scott Derrickson] whose imagination is endless, and all the boys and girls at Marvel who know what they’re doing.”

The award-winning actor won’t be drawn on spoilers, with suggestion that the storyline – which includes Doctor Strange learning the mystic arts from the Ancient One – could take him to the Himalayas.
“I’m not going to be eked out on any spoilers or reveals now. It’s quite a way off, but I’m very excited about that spiritual dimension, obviously. It’s something that’s been a huge part of my life.”

Indeed, the actor says he personally meditates a lot. “That’s a huge tool in trying to calm myself, get away from the crazy circus of it all, have a focused mind as well as be a kinder, considerate person in the world,” he explains, having spent time in India teaching English to Tibetan Buddhist monks.

“It was a profoundly formative experience at a very young age. It’s something I’ve tried to keep in my life. It features already.”
Cumberbatch has “got a few things” to get under his belt before he turns his attention to this Marvel project however. You know, just a “little stage production of Hamlet” and the Christmas special of a tiny drama called, Sherlock…

For now he’s increasing his comic book reading.
“Growing up I didn’t read many comics at all,” Cumberbatch admits. “Asterix a bit. I think that was it.
“But you can bet your bottom dollar I’m reading them now, avidly.”