Exclusive: Benedict Wong Talks ‘Doctor Strange’Posted by Wilson Morales
October 31, 2016
Coming out this week is Doctor Strange, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo, Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, Benedict Wong as Wong along with Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Scott Adkins, Amy Landecke, and Mads Mikkelsen.
Directed by Scott Derrickson from a script by Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill, Marvel’s Doctor Strange follows the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
For Wong, whose recent projects included playing Kublai Khan in Netflix’s Marco Polo (2014), and appearing in two Ridley Scott films, Prometheus (2012) and The Martian (2015), playing Wong in the Marvel Cinematic Universe gives him the opportunity to update the character from what was originally written in the comic books.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Wong discusses his experience with Doctor Strange.
Was this something that you went after or did they come after you?
Benedict Wong: They came after me. I was doing the ‘Marco Polo’ series for Netflix around the world at the time and when I was in Budapest, they asked me to audition there. I looked up ‘Doctor Strange’ and I saw this picture of the comic illustration of Strange and also of this character Wong. I was shocked and surprised. Normally, I was always crestfallen at watching these Marvel movies and noticing that there aren’t any Asian superheroes. So, I sent in a tape and then I was in Slovakia and did another audition. By the time I was in Malaysia, I found out. Then I finished in December, flew back home to London. Dropped off my bags, then picked up by Marvel and was in the Marvel universe.
Now, Wong in the film is different from Wong from the comic books. How would you best describe him?
BW: The perceptions of Asian characters in the 60s are not in line with how it should be now. I was a little hurt by that man-servant portrayal in the comic book. I think they have given the role a proper update in the movie. Wong is this stoic drill sergeant and the Master of Sorcery. He’s the librarian, he’s a teacher and highly skilled. He stands alongside Strange.
How familiar were you with Doctor Strange?
BW: I read a couple of the comic books. I got the gist of it and went right into the script. We had a few additional scenes added. I was really pleased with it.
With so much action in the film, did you do a lot of training?
BW: Not a great deal actually. I was training when they were doing the ‘walking around the streets’ scene and joining in. There was another scene where I fall back into the rubble. There were some more action scenes that were taken over by special effects. I didn’t do too much. I think everyone else had more action scenes than me.
Now that you’re in the Marvel universe, have you caught up with the other Marvel films?
BW: Yes. I’ve seen them all. It’s just wonderful to be a part of it and looking forward to see where Wong goes and which films as well. I’m thrilled.
What did you learn from Scott Derrickson’s direction?
BW: For Scott to helm this, he’s got an incredible vision and real attention to detail. He allows you the space to get the feel that you want. That’s what you want as an actor and he can talk to you as well. The visuals in the film are a feast for the eyes and it’s all credited to him. That’s what is fantastic about seeing these comics come to life. With the technology that we have and you have real superfans running Marvel Studios, their dedication in telling these stories and bringing them to life is amazing.
How was working with Benedict Cumberbatch?
BW: I’ve known Benedict for some time. I’ve seen him in theater productions and at various gatherings. Strange and Wong’s relationship is like the odd couple that come together with a common cause. We’re comfortable with each other and there will be much more (for the characters) to explore in the future as they combat darker forces in the universe.
