'Doctor Strange' Cast News: 'The Martian' Actor Signs In For A Sidekick Role
Marvel's upcoming superhero big screen offering, "Doctor Strange," is reportedly in production and is now getting ready for a Nov. 4 theatre release. New reports, however, surfaced this week indicating the film's newest casting addition.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Scott Derrickson-helmed full-length feature has signed in British actor Benedict Wong as Wong, the sidekick to Benedict Cumberbatch's titular hero.
The faithful bodyguard has been an integral part of the "Doctor Strange" mythos just like Jarvis is to the Iron-Man. The character made his debut in 1963 where he was introduced as a monk who is already adept in the martial arts of his homeland, Kamar-Taj. Wong was originally in servitude to The Ancient One but he was sent to the United States to go with Strange.
Together, the Sorcerer Supreme and the sidekick waged war against all kinds of mystical evils. The latter's primary tasks, however, is to ensure the safety of Strange's physical body while he is astral projecting into different dimensions.
Aside from Cumberbatch and Wong, the actor, the film is also slated to feature the acts of Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo, Rachel McAdams as Strange's colleague, Mads Mikkelsen as the villain, and Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One.
"Doctor Strange," will introduce the Marvel character Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon who suffers a car accident that ends his medical career when he discovered he could not make use of his hands anymore. In a bid to become whole again, he goes into a journey where he became acquainted with the mysticism of the East and eventually encounters the Ancient One.
In a report from Screen Rant, it was revealed where the doctor will get his powers from. Citing the cover photo of a magazine where Cumberbatch, as the character, was featured, the media outlet speculated that his magic may come from the amulet which he visibly wears around his neck. It is also assumed that this could be one of the Infinity Stones in the Marvel Universe. According to the site, the stone is called "Eye of Agamotto." It has the ability to control time and dimensions.
"Doctor Strange" is slated to arrive in cinemas Nov. 4.