Benedict Cumberbatch has hinted that the Doctor Strange movie will bring “a huge new element to [the] Marvel universe”.

Featuring the Sherlock star as the titular Stephen Strange, the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe begins filming later this year and arrives in UK cinemas on 28 October 2016, following the release of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War.

Speaking at at the Palm Springs Festival, Cumberbatch told The Wall Street Journal: “I don’t think it’s a risk because of Marvel. Marvel is a stable of bringing out ordinary comic characters and turning them into screen-like gods. It’s very different; it’s an Astral Plane. There’s a huge new element to this Marvel universe that’s going to be employed in building this story and this character.”

He added: “But you know, I’m really excited about it, about working with Scott [Derrickson] whose imagination is endless, and all the boys and girls at Marvel who know what they’re doing.”

However, the actor remained tight-lipped about what to expect from the story: “You’ll have to wait and see! I’m not going to be eked out on any spoilers or reveals now. It’s quite a way off but I’m very excited about that spiritual dimension, obviously. It’s something that’s been a huge part of my life.”

Cumberbatch’s casting as Doctor Strange was announced last month, with producer Kevin Feige commenting: “Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity. In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”

Sherlock‘s upcoming one-off special began filming in Bristol yesterday.

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