Doctor Strange: First image of Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme leaks online

Shooting is currently taking place in Nepal

Benedict Cumberbatch has continually tried to raise awareness of the refugee crisis (John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI)

With exactly a year to go until Doctor Strange reaches cinemas, the first image of Benedict Cumberbatch as the Marvel superhero has leaked online.

Shooting is currently taking place in Nepal, the cast and crew moving to Pinewood Studios in London next month.

The image, below, has been shot in secret by Prayush Khadka and was uploaded to Twitter on 4 November. In it, we see a disheveled and bearded Cumberbatch wearing relatively normal clothes for the sorcerer supreme.

Most fans believe they are currently shooting Strange’s origin story, this scene specifically being before he has cured his mangled hands as bandages appear to be covering them.

In the comic books, Dr. Stephen Strange is a brilliant neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands after a car accident, effectively ending his career.

After traveling the world to find a cure, he meets the Ancient One - who will be played by Tilda Swinton - in the Himalayas and soon becomes his apprentice. From there on he masters magic and defends the earth from numerous villains.

Rachel McAdams has reportedly joined the cast as Night Nurse, while Mads Mikkelson has joined in an undisclosed role.

Doctor Strange will reach Cinemas 4 November 2016.