According to The Hollywood Reporter, Benedict Wong — who shined as the chronically overworked director of a jet propulsion laboratory in Ridley Scott’s The Martian — has been cast as Strange’s loyal assistant.
To coin a metaphysical term, this casting choice feels like a synchronicity for a few different reasons. First: Benedict Wong shares a last name with the character he’ll be playing. Second: He shares a first name with his co-star. Third: He just so happens to be an excellent actor.
The character he’ll be playing is a recurring figure in the Marvel universe with an interesting resume of talents. He is knowledgeable in the occult as well as the martial arts but is also a faithful servant who keeps the Sorcerer Supreme’s affairs in perfect order. Wong’s most important function, however, is to keep a watchful eye on Strange’s body while his spirit is off visiting alternate dimensions.
Known for his roles in Prometheus, Moon, and Sunshine, Wong is currently playing the part of Kublai Khan in the Netflix original series Marco Polo.
When he arrives on set, Wong will join a talented and diverse cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mads Mikkelsen, and of course, Benedict Cumberbatch. These days, the presence of the Sherlock star alone is enough to intrigue us, but there’s more than one name on that list capable of moving the proverbial needle.
If you’re looking for a mind-bending, metaphysically stimulating trip to the movies, this one should be right up your alley. Doctor Strange is filming now and is set to hit theaters on November 4, 2016.
