Benedict Cumberbatch's next foray in the MCU comes in the form of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, after a brief stint helping Peter Parker out in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Updates about the sorcerer's sequel are starting to increase rapidly, given that the film is fast approaching its May 6, 2022 theatrical debut.
One detail that often gets revealed prior to a Marvel Studios affair is the physical transformation that certain actors undergo when assuming a role. Kumail Nanjiani shocked many after getting incredibly built for Eternals, which received a reaction that "got so much bigger than [he] thought." Similarly, Ned Leeds actor Jacob Batalon decided to lose weight ahead of his role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, which enabled him to be a part of some of the film's big stunts.
Meanwhile, there are MCU actors like Chris Hemsworth that have been chiseled since the very beginning, which will certainly be continuing into Thor: Love and Thunder.
Now, another Marvel star has hit the gym as well.
Benedict Cumberbatch Gets Buff for Doctor Strange 2
A leaked photo shared by a user on Weibo revealed a behind-the-scenes look at a shirtless Benedict Cumberbatch training for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The image shows the actor lifting weights in preparation for his role in the sequel, which also displays just how muscular Cumberbatch has gotten ahead of the film.
The full photo can be seen below, as shared by @Ayatay221 on Twitter:
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Manliness?
Given that Doctor Strange is often adorned in long robes that cover him from head to toe, it is peculiar that Benedict Cumberbatch has needed to get in peak shape ahead of Multiverse of Madness.
The training could be necessary for Cumberbatch to be able to keep up with physically demanding stunts, or there could be an in-universe explanation.
What if the Doctor Strange sequel introduces a Buff Strange Variant? There may be a version of the former Sorcerer Supreme that values his muscles as much as his mind, requiring Cumberbatch to get buff for this new interpretation.
One of the other confirmed Strange Variants could also secretly be hiding some killer abs underneath their clothing, giving the mainline Strange a run for his money.
It seems that fans will be able to catch Cumberbatch's cumber-biceps in action when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness premieres in theaters on May 6, 2022.
