Wong (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

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Wong
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
Benedict Wong as Wong.jpg
Benedict Wong as Wong in Doctor Strange (2016)
First appearanceDoctor Strange (2016)
Based on
Wong
by
  • Steve Ditko
  • Stan Lee
Adapted by
  • Jon Spaihts
  • Scott Derrickson
  • C. Robert Cargill
Portrayed byBenedict Wong
In-universe information
TitleSorcerer Supreme
OccupationSorcerer
AffiliationMasters of the Mystic Arts

Wong is a fictional character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and portrayed by Benedict Wong. In the franchise, Wong is depicted as Dr. Stephen Strange's friend and fellow sorcerer, being a member of the Masters of the Mystic Arts, succeeding the Ancient One and Strange himself as the Sorcerer Supreme on a technicality after the latter disappeared during the Blip.

As of 2022, Wong has appeared in five films and will return in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). Alternate versions of Wong also appear in the Disney+ animated series What If...? (2021).

Concept and creation[]

The character is depicted in Marvel Comics as Doctor Strange's Asian, "tea-making manservant", a racial stereotype that Doctor Strange (2016) director Scott Derrickson did not want in the film,[1][2] and so the character was not included in the film's script. After the non-Asian actress Tilda Swinton was cast as the other significant Asian character from the Doctor Strange comics, the Ancient One, Derrickson felt obligated to find a way to include Wong in the film. The character as he ultimately appears is "completely subverted as a character and reworked into something that didn't fall into any of the stereotypes of the comics",[1] which Derrickson was pleased gave an Asian character "a strong presence in the movie".[3] Actor Wong was also pleased with the changes made to the character, and described him as "a drill sergeant to Kamar-Taj" rather than a manservant. He does not practice martial arts in the film, avoiding another racial stereotype.[2] Derrickson added that Wong would have "a strong presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe" moving forward.[3]

Appearances[]

Benedict Wong promoting Doctor Strange at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con

Benedict Wong portrays Wong in the MCU films Doctor Strange (2016),[1][2] Avengers: Infinity War (2018),[4] Avengers: Endgame (2019),[5] Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021),[6] Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021),[7] and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).[8][9] Benedict Wong was excited "to be sat at a table of Asian excellence" amongst the cast of Shang-Chi.[10] The actor also voiced an alternate version of Wong in the What If...? episode "What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?", while another version of the character has a silent appearance in "What If... Zombies?!".

Fictional character biography[]

Mentor to Strange and resurrection[]

Further information: Doctor Strange (2016 film)

Prior to 2016, Wong becomes Kamar-Taj's librarian after the previous one was beheaded by Kaecilius. In 2016, he meets Dr. Stephen Strange while on the latter's journey to fix his hands, listening to the songs of Beyoncé after hearing Strange mention her. A few months later in 2017, he is killed while defending the Hong Kong Sanctum, but is revived by Strange using the Time Stone.[11] After defeating Kaecilius and Dormammu, Strange takes residence in the New York Sanctum and continues his studies with Wong.

Infinity War and becoming Sorcerer Supreme[]

Further information: Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame

In 2018, Bruce Banner crash-lands in the Sanctum and warns Wong and Strange about the coming threat, recruiting Tony Stark. Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian then arrive in New York and battle Wong, Strange, and Stark, with Wong defeating Obsidian by sending him through a portal. With Strange kidnapped by Maw, Wong stays behind to guard the Sanctum. Wong later survives the Blip and becomes the Sorcerer Supreme.

In 2023, Wong is called in by a restored Strange to get the other sorcerers, the restored Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Ravagers, and the armies of Wakanda and Asgard to defeat an alternate Thanos’ army at the destroyed Avengers Compound. A week later, Wong attends Stark's funeral.[12]

Meeting Shang-Chi[]

Further information: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

In 2024, in an underground fight club in China, Wong battles Emil Blonsky / Abomination, defeating him in combat by creating a portal through which Abomination punches himself in the head. Wong and Abomination then leave together. Later, Wong appears before Shang-Chi and Katy in a San Francisco restaurant and has them accompany him to Kamar-Taj, where he calls Banner and Carol Danvers via holographic projection. They learn that the Ten Rings are sending out a beacon to a location unknown. Afterwards, Wong joins Shang-Chi and Katy to sing karaoke at a nightclub.

Vacation to Kamar-Taj[]

Further information: Spider-Man: No Way Home

That fall, Wong encounters Peter Parker at the Sanctum who came to consult with Strange about making the world forget that Quentin Beck revealed Parker's identity. Strange proposes a spell, but Wong warns that the spell is dangerous. However, he does not try to stop Strange, who insists on helping Parker as the latter has been through a lot, only asking to be left out of it as he heads back to Kamar-Taj.

Alternate versions[]

See also: What If...? (TV series)

Alternate versions of Wong are seen in the Disney+ animated series What If...?, with Benedict Wong returning to voice the character.

Doctor Strange Supreme[]

Further information: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

In an alternate 2016, Wong opposes Doctor Strange Supreme's several attempts to save his girlfriend, Dr. Christine Palmer. Despite these efforts, Supreme's universe-destroying paradox occurs, consuming Wong. After the timeline is split, an earlier Wong and Strange attempt to stop Supreme, only to be consumed again.

Zombie outbreak[]

Further information: What If... Zombies?!

In an alternate 2018, zombified versions of Wong, Strange, and Tony Stark devour and infect Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian. They attempt to eat Bruce Banner, but they are killed by Wasp while Banner is saved by Spider-Man.

Reception[]

Shania Russell of /Film called Wong "the [MCU]'s most underrated wonder".[13] Wong's appearances in Shang-Chi, No Way Home, and Multiverse of Madness has drawn comparison between him and Phil Coulson.[14][15]

See also[]

  • Characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Strauss, Bob (September 9, 2016). "How Benedict Cumberbatch's 'Doctor Strange' will bend minds". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on September 13, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c Mellor, Louisa (June 27, 2016). "Exclusive: Benedict Wong on new direction of his Doctor Strange role". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on June 27, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Disney's Live-Action Casting Controversies". E! Online. July 15, 2019. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  4. ^ Mueller, Matthew (October 21, 2016). "Benedict Wong Confirmed For Avengers Infinity War". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  5. ^ Dumaraog, Ana (September 21, 2018). "Avengers 4 Reshoots: Chris Hemsworth Headed to Set, Benedict Wong Already There". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on October 19, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  6. ^ Bonaime, Ross (June 24, 2021). "New 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' Trailer Gives a Closer Look at Tony Leung As the Real Mandarin". Collider. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  7. ^ Donnelly, Matt (August 23, 2021). "'Spider-Man: No Way Home' Trailer Officially Drops, Multiverse Villains Descend on Tom Holland". Variety. Archived from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  8. ^ Kit, Borys (December 11, 2018). "Scott Derrickson Returning to Direct 'Doctor Strange' Sequel (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  9. ^ McNary, Dave (December 11, 2018). "'Doctor Strange' Director Scott Derrickson to Return for Sequel". Variety. Archived from the original on December 12, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  10. ^ D Bennett, Tara (July 19, 2021). "Benedict Wong Says Joining Marvel's Shang-Chi is 'To Be Sat At A Table of Asian Excellence'". SyFy Wire. Archived from the original on July 20, 2021.
  11. ^ Tyler, Adrienne (June 6, 2020). "Every Major MCU Character Who Died & Came Back To Life (Before Endgame)". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 1, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ Dumaraog, Ana (May 1, 2019). "Every Marvel Character At The Funeral In Avengers: Endgame". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on April 6, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  13. ^ Russell, Shania (September 7, 2021). "An Ode To Wong, The One MCU Dude Who Is Just Vibing". Slashfilm. Archived from the original on September 7, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  14. ^ Zachary, Brandon (September 4, 2021). "Shang-Chi Cements Wong as the MCU's New Coulson". CBR. Archived from the original on September 5, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  15. ^ Tyler, Adrienne (September 7, 2021). "How Wong Is Becoming MCU's Phil Coulson Replacement For Phase 4". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on September 7, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.

External links[]

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