They say, one’s loss is another person’s gain!! In this instance, it is about playing an important part in the Marvel Universe films, where Johnny Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch were in contention with a neck to neck race to bag the role of Doctor Strange. However, it was Cumberbatch who got the opportunity to play the part.
As we know, he has had his recent release Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, wherein he played the sorcerer. A report on koimoi.com talked about how it was Johnny Depp who was about to bag the role, but it never materialized. We take reference from that story for our write up here.
Back in 2014, two years before the first Doctor Strange film was released, Variety reported that Johnny Depp was in very early discussions with Marvel to take on the role of eccentric magician Steven Strange. Before losing his role in Pirates of the Caribbean, Fantastic Beasts, and more, Depp was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. He remains though, just look at the traction his case against Amber Heard is getting.
The report stated that Marvel was looking for a new superhero to join the ranks of Iron Man, Thor, etc. Introducing Doctor Strange through a solo film was the plan and before it went to Benedict Cumberbatch, the execs thought about Johnny Depp. The actor was already a part of Disney through his Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Well, certainly a big gain here for Benedict Cumberbatch who is presently enjoying all the limelight in the larger than life persona of Doctor Strange.