Master of Mysterium: Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange or Sherlock Holmes

Benedict Cumberbatch has wowed audiences with his portrayals of two iconic characters, Doctor Strange and Sherlock Holmes. But which role is he truly meant to play? Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the mystic world of the Sorcerer Supreme and the enigmatic mind of the world's greatest detective.

The genre is a Documentary and the theme is the art of acting and the power of character transformation

Which is Benedict Cumberbatch the Best Fit for Doctor Strange or Sherlock Holmes Benedict Cumberbatch is most known for his roles as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange. Wondering which character suits him best. He has spent the last six years dedicating his life to playing the iconic Doctor Strange, but, years before that, he had also spent a bit of time playing the world's greatest detective in Sherlock too. While Sherlock and Doctor Strange share many of the same character similarities, what makes the former Sorcerer Supreme different is his ability to still empathize. In the beginning, audiences think he's a jerk and narcissistic (much like Sherlock). But Sherlock is this way due to his inability to understand human emotions. Doctor Strange changes after his accident and comes to see the world a bit differently. The loss of his career and his most prized possession has him feeling distraught. But, he had a soft spot for his love interest that shows more than Sherlock. He learns the ways of magic and comes to realize his new purpose is to protect the other realms and humanity. Cumberbatch is often described as being the only actor who could have brought to life the character of Doctor Strange. Besides his superb acting skills, what made the film so dynamic was its visuals. It's even more impressive to see behind-the-scenes shots of Cumberbatch embodying the role in front of a green screen. The movie had an array of filming locations, like Kathmandu, where Doctor Strange was trying to find the Ancient One. The characters wouldn't be anywhere without the use of editing to make their magic come to life. Cumberbatch's first time on screen as Doctor Strange was only the beginning of his involvement in the MCU. This is what made his role so riveting. When comparing Cumberbatch's characteristics in Doctor Strange and Sherlock, Sherlock tends to be more immature. Cumberbatch manages to show this immaturity well on screen with Sherlock not liking people's inability to do simple tasks. When it comes to Doctor Strange, there's a level of maturity that's admirable that Cumberbatch is also able to display. A vast difference between how Cumberbatch plays Sherlock and Doctor Strange is their worldviews. In terms of Sherlock, he believes in logic and absolute, which is why Cumberbatch plays him so stoically and to the point. At one point in the show, Sherlock says the line, "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." Cumberbatch works perfectly with other actors with both MCU and Warner Bros allowed him to do so. With Cumberbatch having already made a name for himself by playing 'famous geniuses' (as seen by Sherlock, The Imitation Game, and Hawking), there was a small risk that he might have begun to typecast himself in this role since they were all quite similar. However, when it comes to Doctor Strange, Cumberbatch did get the opportunity to push out of his comfort zone and experiment with a new genre. But before his brood of Cumberbatches grows, the beloved Sherlock star is focused on Doctor Strange—his first blockbuster leading-man role—which he originally passed on. “I thought Benedict was perfect as Doctor Strange, because [he] has the combination of high education and high intelligence. I believe that he can be a top neurosurgeon. He’s so smart and also has incredible depth, feelings, and range as an actor,” Derrickson said.

Doctor Strange is a sorcerer and a master of the mystic arts in the Marvel universe. He is a skilled fighter, who can manipulate time, space, and reality. On the other hand, Sherlock Holmes is a brilliant detective known for his astute observation, reasoning, and deduction skills. He has a complex and often aloof personality, with a keen eye for detail and an exceptional memory.

The filmic approach for Doctor Strange and Sherlock Holmes is vastly different. Doctor Strange is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is known for its action-packed sequences, fantastical elements, and vivid visuals. In contrast, Sherlock Holmes is typically portrayed in a more subdued, realistic manner, with a focus on the intellectual aspects of the character.

When comparing Cumberbatch's performances to Doctor Strange and Sherlock Holmes, it's clear that he is a versatile actor who can embody vastly different characters with ease. As Doctor Strange, he brings a sense of mystique and gravitas to the role, portraying the character's journey from a skilled surgeon to a powerful sorcerer with nuance and depth. As Sherlock Holmes, he captures the character's eccentricities and sharp wit, infusing the role with a sense of charm and humour.

Overall, it's difficult to say which role Cumberbatch is better suited for as he delivers exceptional performances in both. However, his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes may have a slight edge, as the character has a more complex and nuanced personality, allowing Cumberbatch to showcase his range as an actor.

As we explore the contrasting worlds of Doctor Strange and Sherlock Holmes, we'll discover what makes Benedict Cumberbatch the master of mysterium and why he's the best fit for both roles. Would be more than happy to see Benedict put on the cloak again in another MCU series.

Join me as I unravel the mystery of Cumberbatch's versatility and talent.