His dashing looks, gentlemanly charm and award-winning acting skills have earned him a devoted army of ‘Cumberbitches’.
But Benedict Cumberbatch looked worlds away from his usual clean-cut image as he got to work on the set of Marvel’s Doctor Strange in Nepal on Friday.
The 39-year-old actor was almost unrecognisable as he sported a full beard and a rather bedraggled mane of hair while shooting at Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu.
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Is that you, Benedict? Benedict Cumberbatch looked worlds away from his usual clean-cut image as he got to work on the set of Marvel’s Doctor Strange in Nepal on Friday
The handsome star is the latest big name to join the superhero franchise, and has been seen in full costume complete with a scruffy beard while on set.
The Sherlock actor, who is usually well-groomed, looked slightly worse for wear, in a long navy coat, layered on top of a t-shirt that looks like it may have seen better days
His hair appeared messy and dishevelled, as the talented British actor was tended to by someone from the production crew.
While filming is largely set to take place at Pinewood Studios in London, starting in December, the leading man and other members of the cast and crew have headed to the Himalayan nation to get shooting underway.
In cgaracter: The 39-year-old actor was almost unrecognisable as he sported a full beard and a rather bedraggled mane of hair while shooting at Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu
New look: The handsome star is the latest big name to join the superhero franchise and has been seen in full costume complete with a scruffy beard while on set
Getting ready: The Sherlock actor was surrounded by Buddhist monks as he got some hair and makeup attention
Changing looks: The father-of-one is known for altering his appearance for his on and off-screen jobs, which include TV and stage acting
Location, location: While filming is largely set to take place at Pinewood Studios in London, starting in December, the leading man and other members of the cast and crew have headed to Nepal to get started
Earlier this week fans of the actor were left wanting more after seeing the first snap of the star, which was shared on Twitter by user Prayush Khadka.
Along with the photo, which showed Benedict looking unkempt with long hair and a sizeable beard, she wrote: ‘Benedict Cumberbatch in Nepal…shooting for #drstrange #movie #cumberbatch.’
The photos from the film set suggest the scene being shot is a large one, with plenty of extras dotted around the area.
Also seen shooting scenes with Cumberbatch was British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, 38.
The 12 Years A Slave star wore a long coat over black trousers and black boots for the scenes shot around the temple.
Co-stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 38, was also seen on the location set filming scenes with Cumberbatch
Exotic locale: The two actors were spotted walking together through the streets near the temple and chatting in between takes
Getting directions: The co-stars took some time to discuss the scene with the crew
Getting underway: Plenty of extras were dotted around the area as the group got to work with some onlookers estimating as many as 500 people are being used for the background action
First scenes? It’s thought that the early part of the film is what is being filmed in the Himalayan country
The Sherlock star is known for changing his appearance for his on and off-screen jobs, his most recent look being a full, thick head of hair for his role as Hamlet on stage at the Barbican in London.
It’s thought that the photos show the first scene being shot on location in the Himalayan country, for the beginning of the movie, which will see Doctor Strange head to the East to find sorcerer, the Ancient One, who will be played by Tilda Swinton.
At this point in the soon-to-be superhero’s story, his hands are mangled, after being involved in a serious, debilitating car accident, and he is hoping to be healed by the aged wizard.
But instead, the Ancient One takes him under his wing in order to teach him all kinds of sorcery and mysticism, creating the Sorcerer Supreme from the damaged shell that remained of the neurosurgeon.
First look: Earlier this week fans of the actor were left wanting more after seeing the first snap of the star, which was shared on Twitter by user Prayush Khadka
Nepalese beauty: Cumberbatch, center, was surrounded by some of the hundreds of extras dressed in colorful native dress
Seraching for healing: His character travels to the Himalayas in search of the Ancient One who he hopes will be able to restore his mangled hands
Becoming Doctor Strange: The surgeon is transformed by his journey after the Ancient One teaches him sorcery
Realism: The location offers stunning vistas and ancient stones
The Marvel character was created by Stan Lee in 1963 and Cumberbatch was revealed to be taking on the role back in December, although he had been a frontrunner for several months at the time.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed in a press release: ‘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.’
The film also stars Mads Mikkelsen, and Rachel McAdams, and is set for release in November 2016.
Historic set: Being able to shoot at real temples and among old stone looks certain to add a layer of authenticity to the superhero film
Vistas: The scale of the scenery dwarfed the actor on occasion
Intense: It took a lot of time to capture the right takes in what was clearly a complicated setting
Ready for his close up: Cumberbatch exhibited patience as the crew set up the next shot and took photos for continuity
Cumberbatch has enjoyed huge success as an actor in recent years as TV’s Sherlock.
He was also Oscar nominated for his highly-acclaimed performance as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game alongside Keira Knightley.
He has also just enjoyed a triumphant run on the London stage as Hamlet, winning praises from audiences and critics alike.
The beginning? The opening of the film will see Doctor Strange head to the East to find sorcerer, the Ancient One, who will be played by Tilda Swinton
On scene: The Ancient One takes him under his wing in order to teach him all kinds of sorcery and mysticism, creating the Sorcerer Supreme from the damaged shell that remained of the neurosurgeon
