Doctor Strange has officially hit theaters, and I’m hoping many of you have already been to see it. It’s truly an enjoyable movie, and a work of art really. I’ve shared many of my cast interviews already, but Benedict Wong still remains. My first recognition of Benedict Wong as an actor was his role in The Martian. It wasn’t a huge role, but it was enough to help me recognize him when he was cast as Wong in Doctor Strange. This man was so light-hearted and fun, in person, that I will never forget him. The lines exchanged between Wong and Doctor Strange are some of the funniest scenes in the movie. I’m pleased to say my interview with Benedict was an entertaining one!
Benedict Wong on his role as Wong:
Q: Your character is pretty serious but he has some of the funniest parts of the Movie. Which side do you relate to more in real life?
A: I’m a little bit of a goofball really, like a serious goofball. They’ve kind of got a very interesting, relationship (Wong and Doctor Strange). They’re a little bit chalk and cheese and the odd couple. As much as he’s got these incredible mystical powers, I think he’s also there to put in check and help guide him through this crazy multiverse that we’re about to encounter I think.
Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE..Master Wong (Benedict Wong)..Photo Credit: Jay Maidment..©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
Q: So you said that this role was meant for you. What was your reaction when you got the role, that moment?
A: 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? Obviously you can’t tell anyone, so you’re just at work, you know, dressed as Kubla Khan and you’re not to tell anyone. There’s all these sort of things where you just become you as a kid, as an 11 year old, just thinking, Wow. All of this investment has really paid off in my Adult life. It’s wonderful.
Q: Did you have anything quirky about working on set?
A: I never actually went to Drama School and I’m always doing little funny voice warm up exercises where you’re bending over and you’re letting your tongue hang out and you say “Mary Had a Little Lamb Whose Fleece Was White as Snow and Everywhere That Mary Went, the Lamb was off to go. Mary Had A Little Lamb Whose Fleece Was White.” So that’s what we do and there was one time where I was doing that, and practicing my lines with a film with Tim Robbins. I’m practicing my enunciation and then the Director walked past and tapped me on the back going yes, do it like that. And I go what? I was going No No No, it was just a vocal warm up and then you’ll see me doing it in a scene with Tim Robbins like Daffy Duck or Porky the Pig.
Q: If you could have any Super powers in the world, what would it be in real life?
A: 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.
Wong is a protector for good in Doctor Strange, and you’ve got to catch his scenes with Benedict Cumberbatch – they’re a hoot! Doctor Strange is in theaters everywhere now!
I was invited to an all-expense paid trip for the purpose of screening Doctor Strange, and interviewing the cast. All opinions expressed are my own.
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