Benedict Wong - Exclusive Doctor Strange Interview

Doctor Strange opened with a bang this past weekend at the box office! Did you go see it? What did you think of the new Marvel film? Today, I’m sharing my final exclusive interview with the cast – Benedict Wong. Did you miss the other exclusive interviews: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen and Director Scott Derrickson.

Benedict Wong Interview

Q : Do you have any comics and did you feel a lot of pressure from such an iconic role?

Benedict Wong: I use to collect a lot of Marvel Comics. I was always a big Spider-Man fan. My 3 go to comics were like “Amazing Spider-man”, Spider-man 1, Spider-man…So I would always be at a Comic Book Store in Manchester and just be mining through these stories til you get sort of chucked out. I never really knew much about Dr. Strange if I’m honest. Then I saw Chiwetel for lunch one time. I asked what he was up to. OK, you’re doing this Dr. Strange. And then there was a Wong Character. I was like what? I just actually literally, I was always so crestfallen that there were no Asian Superheroes, like where are the Super Asians. And then bit by bit the stars aligned.

Q : Which side do you relate to more in real life?

BW: I’m a little bit of a goofball really, like a serious goofball. So it’s that really. I think they’ve kind of got a very interesting relationship. And uh, as much as he’s got these incredible mystical powers. I think he’s also there to put in check and help [Doctor Strange] guide him through this crazy multiverse that we’re about to encounter I think.

Photo credit: Dusty Pendelton

Q : So you said that this role was meant for you. So what was your reaction when you got the role, that moment?

Benedict Wong: I got the call from Sara Finn and I called her up and she just said, ‘Congratulations, you’re gonna have an amazing ride’ and I was like what? And obviously you can’t tell anyone. So you’re just at work…dressed as Kubla Khan (for Marco Polo) and you’re not to tell anyone. It’s funny when someone gives you this secret and you go, ‘don’t tell anyone’. It’s wonderful, yeah.

Q : Are you listening to a lot more Beyonce now? (scene from Doctor Strange)

BW: Just only in my quiet place. [Laughter]

Q : If you could have any Super powers in the world, what would it be in real life?

BW: Oh wow, Super power. You know, I think this place really needs the power of understanding. And I think I’d forego that from flying around and being invisible. Yes unifying that we’re all one.

Photo credit: Dusty Pendelton

Q : Your most memorable moment on scene, something funny or just seeing yourself.

Benedict Wong: Really when I was in England with Benedict and Chiwetel, it was like…we were just looking at each other. This is great, just having this sort of unified moment. I personally feel like I’m the one that’s won the competition, you know. And then hey, you get to be in Doctor Strange and you get to work with these guys. And it’s like oh yeah, and we pay you as well. Oh right, great. It’s fantastic, yeah.

Q : In developing the Character of Wong for yourself, what sort of research did you do? Did you read a lot of the older Doctor Strange, some of the newer stuff, outside influences?

BW: I first picked up like the oath so I just kind of had a little look at that. And then it was like certain aspects of that, Man Servant to a T, you know, kind of sidekick took it back into the 60’s. As an Actor as well, I’m always looking for a flow — what can we do to promote a positive role model. And the fact that I feel this kind of stoic strength of Wong that is serious but no doubt he is serious about the severity of what is about to happen really and these forces that we do not know. And obviously with the story of this arrogant Neurosurgeon becoming a broken man coming to find himself being humbled that he has a place that is bigger than himself. I’m thrilled to sort of play this role – I think Marvel, Kevin Thelke and the gang are doing a great job really to kind of promote that.