Tom Hardy

Benedict Cumberbatch

Marvel loves announcing and leaking their stuff on Fridays, don't they? Two weeks ago, they sent the industry in a tizzy when they announced thatwas director-less. Now, not only have they leaked two more potentialhelmers, but they're also spreading word around the industry that the title role inis up for grabs. And while it's probably a big list, it turns out two names sought for the role include Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch.Deadline reports that Marvel is assembling their cast list on the film, and the two names at the top (or in the middle – is this list ranked? SPECULATE!) are Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy. Marvel likely seesas a key piece in their post-Phase Three plans (particularly with noon the horizon), so there's a lot of pressure on the fantasy film to be a major player as far as box office and, in the wake of, positive geek buzz. And now, a look at the candidates!Hardy, 36, is one of the most promising leading men in Hollywood. Though he has brutish good looks, he often obscures or outright hides them in a series of facial prosthetics and outlandish accents. He's something of a chameleon, in that his appearance is never the same from one movie to the next. He'd bring a working-class edge to Strange, and make him convincing in hand-to-hand battle, which would be helpful if they're making a more grounded New director Scott Derrickson cut his teeth on lower budgeted fare, and it's possible that he's been picked for the job to lend a hand in more practical effects work.However... gee, Marvel, why don't you get in line? Hardy is on EVERYONE'S wish list: he's not the biggest leading man name, but everyone is eager to make him one. He's currently working on, where he'll play twins. He's also attached to potential franchise-starter, as well as Kathyrn Bigelow's, and the Elton John biopic. And who knows: maybe they'll call him back for the eight billionth reshoot on. Hardy's done the superhero two-step, playing the villain Bane infans will be happy to know that he once compared the experience to working at a Starbucks. Tom Hardy is not doing this movie.The 37 year old Cumberbatch, who we tabbed for the role months ago , is also heavily in-demand, something that should only continue when people get a look at him in the upcoming, a potential Oscar player. He rose to prominence as pretty much the most British actor ever in film and television, becoming a fixture in critically-acclaimed work likeand, as well as the BBC's. He's also done the fanboy thing with. And no offense to Hardy, who would be great simply because he's a chameleon, but Cumberbatch is a bit more classically regal and would bring a haughty charm to Strange.But guess what? Dude's also busy as all hell. When he's not punching bad journalists , he's attached to Johnny Depp'sas well as action movieand. These would be sharp picks by Marvel a year ago, when these actors didn't have so many balls in the air. At this point, they'd better hope they have a long wishlist, because outside of cloning, it'll be very difficult to secure the services of either Hardy or Cumberbatch for this role.