When Benedict Cumberbatch scored his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kevin Feige stepped up with a tribute that hit harder than a Doctor Strange spell. Feige celebrated the actor’s entire legacy, from Sherlock Holmes to Doctor Strange. He got right to it: “You were an amazing Hamlet. You were an incredible Sherlock Holmes. You were the second-best Khan ever…” While there was a slight burn, it led to the big moment. “But to us, and millions around the globe, you deserve this honor for being the first, the best, the greatest, and the only Doctor Stephen Strange.” This declaration elicited enthusiastic applause from the gathered crowd.
Feige made it clear that Cumberbatch was more than just a star; he defined the character of Strange in a way that no one else could. After debuting in Doctor Strange in 2016, Cumberbatch has been pivotal in massive hits such as Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Feige’s words underscored how Benedict Cumberbatch made Strange an iconic part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Before joining the MCU, Cumberbatch was earning accolades for his role in Sherlock, making him a fitting candidate for such a prestigious recognition even before he took on the role of a wizard battling across the multiverse.
Feige didn’t only highlight Cumberbatch’s acting talent; he also shared a slice of MCU insider knowledge. “You become the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” Feige declared, emphasizing the critical position held by Doctor Strange amidst the multiverse chaos. As Feige noted, Cumberbatch is “the only actor capable of guiding us through the madness of the multiverse.” This comment holds significant weight, as true MCU fans know that Doctor Strange is no ordinary hero. He is the MCU’s Anchor Being—a character whose death could lead to the unraveling of the entire universe. Feige hinted at this concept long before Deadpool and Wolverine delved into it in their universe.
In Feige’s view, Strange serves as the glue holding the cinematic universe together. However, the conversation doesn’t end there. Looking ahead to 2024, when director Matt Shakman will take the reins of Fantastic Four: First Steps, he has already stirred the pot by calling the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, the absolute Anchor Being due to her world-shattering powers. This assessment could be seen as biased, considering Shakman directed WandaVision, but it highlights an ongoing debate about these characters’ significance within the MCU.
Feige’s tribute was not just a celebratory moment; it also shone a spotlight on the incredible journey of Doctor Strange. This legacy, represented by Benedict Cumberbatch, is undoubtedly worth honoring, highlighting both the actor’s staggering impact on the MCU and the broader popular culture. As fans look forward to what comes next, Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Doctor Strange remains a cornerstone of the Marvel saga.
