Kevin Feige calls Doctor Strange the “anchor” of the MCU

From playing Sherlock Holmes to Doctor Stephen Strange and beyond, Benedict Cumberbatch has accomplished a lot during his career. And now, as a reward for his outstanding service to the world of acting, Cumberbatch has gotten his very own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame!

During the ceremony in Hollywood, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige showed up to sing the actors’ praises. Watch Cumberbatch accept the award as well as Feige’s speech below:

“To us and to millions around the globe, you deserve this honor for being the first, the best, the greatest, and the only Doctor Stephen Strange,” Feige said. “Benedict has turned this character into an icon, appearing in a historic three of the top six [highest-grossing] films of all time.

"It’s been quite a journey, I remember our very first meeting … we wanted to pitch him this great character and before we could, he said, ‘So tell me about Doctor Strange,’ because somewhere you knew what this could be. You’ve always seen the tremendous potential in this character and because of that, you’ve become the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the only actor capable of guiding us through the madness of the multiverse."

To take the reins from Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and guide the franchise in a new direction is no easy feat, but Cumberbatch has done it with style to spare.

Feige also praised Cumberbatch as a person. “It’s not just the roles you play onscreen that make you so remarkable,” he said. “It’s the roles offscreen as well. Husband, father, creative collaborator and partner, actor with the busiest schedule in the world — who gives our physical production team heartburn trying to make the dates work — and friend.”

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness release date

Cumberbatch returns to the role of Doctor Strange in May for only his second solo movie, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Strange is in for his wildest adventure yet as he traverses myriad alternate realities alongside allies like Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen). He’ll confront dangerous foes, one of which might just be himself.

Multiverse of Madness is also set to be a gateway for some new characters to enter the fray. For instance, Patrick Stewart has already confirmed that he’s reprising his beloved role as Professor X. The movie premieres in theaters on May 6, 2022.

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