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Whether You Like It Or Not, Benedict's Doctor Strange Is Now MCU Flagship Hero To Replace Ironman

Undoubtedly, Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark portrayal and charisma are widely regarded as one of the most iconic and unforgettable features of the MCU. However, he is far from alone in this regard. Captain America, Thor, and Spider-Man, all played by Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, comfortably rank with the Iron Avenger. But it's Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange who has cemented his place as the MCU's focal point, in a character that would be practically hard to imagine anybody else playing.
nullDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the character's next appearance, but most fans recently watched him repair his nearly universe-ending blunder in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Since his debut in 2016, he has played a pivotal part in the larger world, and the significance of his representation has not gone unnoticed by the general public.
Cumberbatch was cast in several fancasts before the part of the wizard was even cast, something Marvel Studios and the actor both agreed on. It would be bizarre to have a Marvel Cinematic Universe without the well-known actor and the hero he brings to life. After his first few years of wonderful service, the actor has now been given a unique award for his contribution to the most coherent movie world to date.

Doctor Strange Gets Honored

nullThe Hollywood Walk of Fame is a renowned pathway that has the names of some of Hollywood's most famous performers. Another name has been inscribed in the concrete: Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige was in attendance, and he prepared a statement for the Sorcerer Supreme contender, which was streamed by Variety. Feige began by recalling his visit to the famed promenade:
“This is awesome, this is incredible, this is um, an iconic street to have literally put in stone your legacy. I love the Walk of Fame, it has meant so much to me over my whole life coming here as a tourist, and to see you get this is heartwarming and really means a lot. It’s always special to come witness somebody get their star and you might say, one might say that there’s a little bit of magic to watch these sidewalk ceremonies, and of course, that’s particularly appropriate considering who we’re honoring here today.”
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He went on to say that Benedict has performed "so many roles," citing Hamlet, Sherlock Holmes, and Star Trek's Khan as examples. The Marvel CEO, on the other hand, emphasized how the well-known actor is "the first, the best, the greatest, and the only Doctor Stephen Strange."
“There are so many roles you’ve played Benedict, that have made you worthy of this prestigious honor. You were an amazing Hamlet. You were an incredible Sherlock Holmes. You were the second-best Khan ever, ever. You were brilliant in all the iconic roles, but 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.”
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Due to his "tremendous" vision for where he might take Doctor Strange as a superhero, Benedict Cumberbatch has become "the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe," according to Kevin Feige:
“Benedict has turned this character into an icon, appearing in a historic three of the top six films of all time. It’s been quite a journey. I remember our very first meeting was set up as a general, and we wanted to pitch him this great character, and before we could, he said ‘So tell me about Doctor Strange,’ because you knew. Because somewhere you knew what this could be and you’ve always seen the tremendous potential in this character. 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.”
"Speaking on behalf of the world, and particularly of Marvel Studios," he said, applauding Cumberbatch and saying, "We love you...thank you:"
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“And of course, it’s not just the roles on-screen that make you so remarkable. It’s the roles off-screen as well: husband, father, creative collaborator, partner, actor with the busiest schedule in the world who gives our physical production team heartburn trying to make the dates work, and friend. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary contributions to the MCU and to the industry from Shakespeare to Roddenberry, from 221B Baker Street to 177A Bleeker Street, you have secured a well-deserved place in history with this star. And I know I speak on behalf of the world and particularly of Marvel Studios, I say congratulations and we love you. Thank you."

The Anchor of the MCU

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Having Iron Man and Steve Rogers out of the picture, for the time being, Benedict Cumberbatch's Stephen Strange appears to be one of the most essential and prominent characters in the MCU. Even though he isn't the Sorcerer Supreme, he is nonetheless responsible for the protection of all of existence.
nullIn that sense, his forthcoming picture, Multiverse of Madness, appears to be giving him a run for his money. Not only does he have to deal with Gargantos and a fragile Multiverse, but he also has to cope with a Scarlet Witch who appears to be losing her mind. Given the Marvel Cinematic Universe's ever-expanding scope, Strange is undoubtedly not the sole pivotal figure in the larger scheme of things. With so many variables at play, there will almost certainly never be another time when that position can be claimed by just one individual.
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