Benedict Cumberbatch won't the only BENEDICT in Doctor Strange, as the movie also has Prometheus and The Martian star Benedict Wong in its cast roster. Interestingly, the British actor is playing a character named Wong in the Scott Derrickson venture!
Introduced in the early 1960s in Doctor Strange comics, Wong is a character who can be compared with Alfred Pennyworth of Batman comics. He's the valet and sidekick of the Sorcerer Supreme. But according to Benedict Wong, his character in the upcoming November 4 release is something more than that. They’re heading in a different direction with him.
While speaking to Den of Geek, here's what the actor says:
I'm certainly not going to be the tea-making manservant. We're heading in a different direction. He's more of a drill sergeant.
In the comic books, Wong is a master martial artist, who is capable of incapacitating almost any earthbound nemesis with speed and efficiency.
But the character in Doctor Strange movie will refrain from displaying such abilities. However, he will be someone well-acquainted with magic. According to Benedict Wong:
There isn't any martial arts for Wong in Doctor Strange; actually, he's more of a drill sergeant to Kamar-Taj. He's one of the masters of sorcery.
From what the actor says, it appears that the character of Wong is inspired more by the modern versions of the comic book character, rather than early depictions.
Since Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange is likely to reappear in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe installments, one would expect the same for Benedict Wong's character. But the actor isn't sure about reprising Wong in the future.
When asked whether there are more movies on the horizon for his character, here's how Benedict Wong responds:
That would be nice! No, we'll start off with the first one. I'm just happy nearly completing Doctor Strange. I'm very excited to see what happens.
