Benedict Cumberbatch’s journey into the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been nothing short of transformative. Since debuting as the enigmatic sorcerer in ‘Doctor Strange’, Cumberbatch has grown into one of the franchise’s central figures.
However, the actor himself admits that his first outing as Doctor Stephen Strange wasn’t without its challenges.
Benedict Cumberbatch Learned MCU Tricks From Tom Holland And Robert Downey Jr.
In a recent interview with Variety, Benedict Cumberbatch opened up about his early struggles, describing his performance in his debut as “a bit stiff.” He acknowledged the immense pressure that came with joining such a colossal franchise. “It’s hard because you have this huge apparatus around you, but it’s so important,” he explained.
Despite this, he quickly found ways to ground his character and performance, taking cues from some of Marvel’s brightest stars. The actor revealed that watching the dynamic between Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr. In ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ was pivotal in shaping his approach. “I learned a lot by seeing how at ease and improvisatory they are,” Cumberbatch said.
Doctor Strange’s Later Appearances Gave The Character A Light-Hearted Edge
One of the reasons Doctor Strange’s first film felt somewhat disconnected from the MCU was its focus on establishing the character’s origins. Compared to the interconnected narratives of his later appearances in, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, and ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’, the standalone nature of ‘Doctor Strange’ gave Cumberbatch little opportunity to play off other MCU heavyweights.
In case you missed it: Original Plans For ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’ Had Wanda As The Hero
However, subsequent films have allowed him to experiment and grow within the role. Collaborating with actors like Holland and Downey Jr. helped him lean into a more relaxed performance style. Doctor Strange’s interactions with Peter Parker, for instance, brought a newfound warmth and humor to the character.
Additionally, this evolution showcased a balance between the sorcerer’s trademark arrogance and his deeper sense of responsibility. While his early performances were marked by a sense of precision and formality, later portrayals have embraced a looser, more human quality.
