[9:24] Benedict Cumberbatch, best actor nominee for his role in "The Imitation Game," and his wife Sophie Hunter arrive at the 87th Academy Awards
Benedict Cumberbatch, best actor nominee for his role in "The Imitation Game," and his wife Sophie Hunter arrive at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

Benedict Cumberbatch is said to be prepping up for his role in the upcoming November 4, 2016 film “Doctor Strange.” The British actor will be playing the titular character and expectations are high for him to match up to the Sorcerer Supreme’s looks in the comics.

How Benedict Cumberbatch will look like in terms of costume as Doctor Strange is still too early to tell. However, fans may already have a slight idea as to how he would look physically considering the reports that he’s trying to get ripped for his role. It’s believed the “Sherlock Holmes” star has been hitting the gym to build up on some muscles so he can properly physically portray the comicbook character.

According to Metro UK, a source with knowledge of the film has revealed to The Sun that Benedict Cumberbatch is “spending hours with a personal trainer” to help him beef up for his role. The actor has reportedly also been doubling his daily intake of calories and consuming protein shakes to help him achieve the muscular look that defines the Sorcerer Supreme in the comics.

“Dr. Strange was always muscly in the cartoons so Benedict has to look the part when they start filming in the autumn,” the source said. “Skinny Sherlock Holmes will be the last thing anyone thinks about,” the movie insider added.

According to The Express, the 38-year old is naturally slender. But getting ripped for a film role wouldn’t be the first for Benedict Cumberbatch. He once packed on the muscles in 2013 for his role as Khan in “Star Trek: Into Darkness.” The actor then revealed that he did a lot of training and a lot of eating to bulk up. Talking about the outcome of his training, Cumberbatch said that by the end he was able to do handstand press-ups with his feet up against the wall and his head to the floor.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige once said “Doctor Strange” “requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity.” Apparently, Benedict Cumberbatch fits the description as he was announced for the role of Sorcerer Supreme back in December.

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IGN

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