Wong rejoices in growth of ‘Wong,’ sees rebirth of Marvel in process
Benedict Wong continues to feel the magic of the Marvel movies.
The British actor’s role as the wise sorcerer Wong has grown over the years from no-nonsense partner of the superhero Doctor Strange to Earth’s main protector against mystical dangers — and takes on its biggest importance yet in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
“It’s fascinating to see this exponential journey and the character progression of Wong,” Wong told the Daily News.
“I think we’re entering into the rebirth (of Marvel) with the introduction of other characters . ... Wong is now becoming the veteran through this phase. I can feel him growing in stature.”
Wong took over the Sorcerer Supreme title from Strange after the latter disappeared for five years between the Marvel movies “Infinity War” and “Endgame.” He’s now tasked with leading the magical community of Kamar-Taj and training young sorcerers there, while protecting the integrity of reality.
Wong must make life-or-death decisions in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” now playing in theaters, after a portal to alternate dimensions is opened, posing never-before-seen-threats.
“There’s such a greater responsibility now for him, a level of duty to his students,” Wong, 50, said. “He’s torn as well about the many things that are about to happen, whether or not to change this school of sorcery into a fortress.”
The film is Wong’s sixth with Marvel after debuting in the original “Doctor Strange” in 2016. His character serves as a voice of reason to the headstrong Strange, frequently warning him against using magic to interfere with natural law.
“To all his actions, there are consequences, and that’s what the film is,” Wong said.
Starring in the superhero films remains a thrill for Wong, who grew up collecting the Marvel comic books.
The actor, whose parents emigrated from Hong Kong, appeared last year in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” — Marvel Studios’ first movie to center on an Asian superhero — and feels the “massive” impact of representation the franchise provides by featuring characters from all different backgrounds.
“They are here to throw down and throw all their passion and show you what everyone is made of,” Wong said. “This is what you get. You get ‘Shang-Chi,’ that just feels like a standalone movie, and how far-reaching that is, and the positivity that people feel seen and they can see themselves. They can feel that they can be heroes, too.”
Wong stars in “Multiverse of Madness” with Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays Strange, and Elizabeth Olsen, who returns as the powerful sorceress Wanda Maximoff. The film maintains the “odd couple” dynamic between Wong and Strange, the actor says.
“I love these scenes between these two,” Wong said. “They are so different. They are chalk and cheese, but they need
each other.”