Why Does Benedict Cumberbatch Use an American Accent for Dr. Strange?

Benedict Cumberbatch, a classically trained actor and a master of voice modulation, chose to use an American accent when portraying Dr. Stephen Strange in Marvel's series. This decision was made for several compelling reasons, rooted in the character's origin and the production team's creative vision.

Character Origin and Production Team Decisions

Dr. Strange is a distinctly American character. Set in the Marvel Universe, Dr. Strange is portrayed as a New Yorker, much like many of the other Marvel characters. The production teams decided to stick to the American accent to avoid any additional confusion among the audience. As one source succinctly put it, In order to not further mess up and have more confusion on why the New Yorker might have a British accent, the production teams agreed to just stick to the American accent.

This reasoning is consistent with many other American actors who play American characters. For instance, Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield used New York accents for Spider-Man, and Chris Hemsworth took on a similarly American version of Thor. These choices align with the character's origin and maintain consistency with the comics from which they are adapted.

Actor Versatility and Industry Precedents

Benedict Cumberbatch is known for his remarkable versatility. His ability to play a wide range of characters has been a hallmark of his career. This versatility was one of the reasons he was chosen for the role of Dr. Strange. His diverse track record as an actor supports his suitability for such a complex and nuanced character.

While the use of American accents is not required, it is a common practice in the industry. This approach is exemplified by other notable instances, such as Damian Lewis in Band of Brothers. Lewis’s selection, despite competing Americans, was due to his proven ability to authentically portray historical and fictional American characters. This underscores the value placed on actors who can convincingly embody American personas, regardless of their origin.

British Actors in American Roles

The real twist lies in the fact that many British actors are being hired to play American characters. This is a trend that goes beyond Marvel and into other productions. It challenges the preconceived notion that only American actors should portray American characters. The choice to use a British actor for an American role is a testament to their versatility and ability to bring depth to characters.

While the British accent might seem unusual at first glance, it shows the industry's openness to diverse choices and the skill of the actors who win these roles. The key factors in such casting decisions are the actor's dedication to the role, loyalty to the production, and integrity with the rest of the cast. These attributes are often highly valued by American studios and production teams.

Character origin, actor versatility, and industry practices all contribute to why Benedict Cumberbatch chose to play Dr. Strange with an American accent. This decision, while not strictly necessary, enhances the authenticity and realism of the character, making the Marvel series even more compelling for audiences.