It has today been revealed that Benedict Wong is set to take on the role of the Sorcerer Supreme’s manservant and best friend (who just so happens to be named Wong), in Doctor Strange.
Official character details have not yet been revealed by Marvel Studios, but in the comic books, Wong is Doctor Strange’s assistant, friend and defender. He has also helped a number of other heroes, like Spider-Man, over the years by providing them with information when the Sorcerer Supreme has been absent. However, if you’re at all curious about how he’ll likely be portrayed in this movie, Doctor Strange: The Oath is probably a good place to start, as that’s clearly inspired a fair bit of this film so far.
Marvel needs to be very careful with Wong, as one wrong move could lead to him coming across as a racist caricature, just like in his early appearances back in the 1960s. Benedict Wong is a tremendous actor though, and Marvel most definitely knows what they’re doing, so this will likely turn out alright. At least, we hope it does.
The Martian star joins a cast which includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mads Mikkelsen. Directed by Scott Derrickson, Doctor Strange is set to be released on November 4th.
