Benedict Cumberbatch set to star in "Doctor Strange"

It's official -- Benedict Cumberbatch is heading to the Marvel movie universe.

The studio confirmed Thursday that the "Sherlock" star will play the title character in the sorcery-centric "Doctor Strange," set to hit theaters on Nov. 4, 2016.

The film, directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, will follow neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange, who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.

"Stephen Strange's story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity," producer Kevin Feige said in the announcement. "In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."

Reports first surfaced a few months ago that Cumberbatch was in contention for the part. Deadline reported in October that Jared Leto and Tom Hardy (now both part of the cast of Warner Bros.' "Suicide Squad") were also in the mix.

Cumberbatch can currently be seen as World War II code-breaker Alan Turing in "The Imitation Game," and reprises his role as Smaug in the upcoming "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies." He'll also be back as Sherlock Holmes when the hit BBC series returns for a fourth season.

"Doctor Strange" is part of Marvel's slate of films scheduled through 2019.