How Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange Ended Up Calling Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man a “Douchebag”

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As a lifelong gamer, I’ve always been captivated by the magic of storytelling and the artistry that goes into creating immersive worlds. And when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Doctor Strange is nothing short of mesmerizing.

On Tuesday, Benedict Cumberbatch (known for roles in “Doctor Strange,” “The Imitation Game,” “Sherlock,” and “Eric”) reminisced about an interaction between Doctor Strange and Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark (Iron Man) on the set of “Avengers: Infinity War.” He mentioned that he improvised one of his lines, calling it a “douchebag” remark, which made the scene more unforgettable.

The moment came about when Iron Man asked what Strange was doing in the fight they were in.

Irritated, Cumberbatch retorted, “Guard your world, fool,” which elicited responses of “oohs” from both on-set and off-set individuals.

Benedict Cumberbatch recounted the story during the fourth installment of the Red Sea International Film Festival, which was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The actor seems to have a fondness for major movie franchises like Marvel films and Star Trek, as he stated. He appreciates the abundance of talent within them, specifically mentioning Tom Holland and Downey Jr., and expressed his admiration for the latter by saying “I can’t believe it!” In his opinion, these blockbuster releases often capture aspects of our times (zeitgeist), and he pointed out political themes in Captain America and religious/spiritual elements in Doctor Strange, adding a fresh perspective to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Regarding his work on Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog,” a project that earned him an Oscar nomination, similar to his recognition for “The Imitation Game,”, he expressed his delight by saying, “It was such a pleasure working on it.

In Morten Tyldum’s film “The Imitation Game,” Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Alan Turing, found it less about acting and more about feeling the genuine agony of the computer scientist after his chemical castration due to his homosexuality. He admitted that he was unable to hold back tears as he identified deeply with what Turing might have experienced. “I couldn’t stop crying because I truly empathized with what he must have felt,” Cumberbatch confided.

As we move forward, he excitedly shared about the upcoming ventures such as “The Roses” alongside Olivia Colman and possibly Wes Anderson’s final film, tentatively titled “The Phoenician Scheme“, though Cumberbatch was uncertain about the definite title.

As a gamer diving into the world of movie production, I’ve found myself at the helm as executive producer for “We Live in Time,” starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. What drew me to this project was the relatable themes it explores and its clever humor. However, let me tell you, navigating the tricky waters of financing and budget structure in today’s climate is no walk in the park. It’s not about churning out vanity projects or factories; it’s about creating meaningful stories that resonate with audiences.

He discussed his career during a jam-packed festival appearance in the second-largest Saudi city’s old town, Al-Balad.

Regarding Sherlock, Cumberbatch stated that it was Martin Freeman who played a significant role in its success. Additionally, he mentioned the lack of a filter in the show, the excellent on-screen chemistry between himself and Freeman, and the creative input from Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss as key factors. He further described the show’s popularity as a “digital watercooler moment.” Cumberbatch also praised Freeman, calling him one of the funniest individuals he has ever encountered, and referencing his skills as a talented artist.

He also got questioned about playing Stephen Hawking in the 2004 TV movie Hawking.

Cumberbatch expressed doubt about it,” he shared regarding the renowned cosmologist. “I was utterly astounded” upon their initial encounter, he admitted, and while he initially understood Hawking’s initial apprehensions, he eventually managed to pose significant questions to him.

Regarding his past, Cumberbatch expressed that as an only child, he’s always sought out the companionship found in families. He also disclosed that his parents were actors and initially hoped for him to pursue a different career path. Furthermore, he reminisced about the rigid structure of U.K. schools during his childhood, describing it as “conformist.” He added that acting held a certain innocence when he decided against becoming a lawyer; however, he had exceptional mentors in this field.

At times, Cumberbatch admits that some traits from his character roles seep into his personal life. For instance, his mother would remark if he seemed to be carrying Sherlock around, to which he humorously replied, “I was talking and generally behaving like a jerk.” Generally speaking, however, he selectively chooses the characteristics of his on-screen personas that he brings with him into his own life.

During a conversation regarding an extended trip to Darjeeling between his school and university years, he shared that he had been teaching English at a residence for exiled Tibetan monks for six months, frequently enjoying the stunning backdrop of Everest. It was during this time that he immersed himself in their culture and learned about Buddhism and meditation. A crucial insight he gained was the idea that “God is not just external but also internal,” which he elaborated on. For him, the experience was marked by a strong sense of connection and an all-encompassing energy that linked everything together.

Martin Freeman continues to hold a special affection for live theatre, considering it his initial passion. He expressed eagerness to return, but admitted that it depends on available time. After wrapping up his last stage role as Hamlet at London’s Barbican following 96 performances, he felt rejuvenated. He explained that due to the repetitive nature of theatre work, actors often need to find ways to convince themselves that each performance and material is fresh and exciting.

Benedict Cumberbatch is one of many renowned actors set to feature in the fourth installment of RSIFF. Other notable names include Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Viola Davis, Olivia Wilde, Emily Blunt, Eva Longoria, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and jury head Spike Lee.

Cumberbatch left the stage to much applause and screams of “We love youuuuuu!”

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2024-12-10 18:25