Benedict Cumberbatch Says ‘There Is a Lot More to Play’ With Doctor Strange and That He Had to ‘Work Hard’ Not to Have ‘Arrogance’ About Marvel Success

As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) over the years, I find myself deeply captivated by Benedict Cumberbatch‘s continued portrayal of Doctor Strange. The complexity and depth he brings to this character, a man driven by an insatiable need for control, is nothing short of mesmerizing.

As a movie critic, I find myself eagerly anticipating Benedict Cumberbatch’s continued portrayal of Doctor Strange. During my recent encounter at the Red Sea Film Festival, where his production company SunnyMarch presented “We Live in Time”, he described the superhero as a deeply complex individual, driven by an insatiable desire to control all aspects of existence. Intrigued by this intricate character, I can’t help but wonder what consequences his relentless pursuit will bring about. The prospect of delving deeper into Doctor Strange’s story and uncovering the layers hidden beneath is nothing short of exhilarating!

Benedict Cumberbatch describes movies such as “Doctor Strange” and those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as “spectacular endeavors.” He explains that when they’re really well-done, they embody the spirit of the times, resonating with us and our culture. Working on them is incredibly enjoyable, he adds.

When it comes to Marvel’s portrayal of cultural and political zeitgeist, the actor expressed his primary concern wasn’t just about the character being a misogynist and arrogant, but rather the narrative had to address the concept of spirituality that was resonating at that particular moment in time.

“That was the key to the success,” he said of the treatment of spirituality in “Doctor Strange.” 

We hadn’t encountered anything like this in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before; it was entirely fresh territory. Moreover, his ability to draw upon his will to control power is a unique skill, which can be considered a superpower. As a backstory, it offers a lot of potential for exploration.

The actor admitted that Marvel had nailed it numerous times in the past, yet working on it still filled him with a great deal of apprehension. He put in an extraordinary amount of effort, hoping for its success, but without the overconfidence that assumed it would inevitably be so.

In his discussion about being Doctor Strange, the actor reminisced about his initial feelings upon arriving on set, which he described as being “overwhelmed” by the skill of the team. He went on to say that the abundance of talent he was surrounded by was a bit “humbling and intimidating.” Furthermore, he expressed dislike for the phrase “the artist on set,” often used when above-the-line talent enters the scene. Instead, he emphasized that artists have been on set since it was built, painted, decorated, and filled with smoke-lit cameras, stating that we are just one aspect of many forms of artistic contributions.

The actor pointed out that Marvel productions are rich with “numerous practical elements.” He explained that they often film at various locations, construct real sets, and offer a full 360-degree work environment, even though there are times when you might feel overwhelmed by the constant green and blue screens. Cumberbatch reminisced about learning to enjoy himself more while working on set, as he watched Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr. play their characters, Peter Parker and Tony Stark, together.

Speaking about starring in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021), the actor expressed that observing Tom Holland following the success of the initial Spider-Man film was like magic. He explained that he understood he needed to enjoy himself, not just show up with a nonchalant attitude.

To ensure the brilliance on those large canvases remains fresh and vibrant, given the immense pressure and anticipation from dedicated followers, it’s crucial to continue creating with joy, freedom, and a playful spirit. Otherwise, it may lose its luster and become dull.

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2024-12-10 18:17