Benedict Wong & Xochitl Gomez Interview: Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a magical mix of horror and mysticism, directed by none other than the mastermind behind the original Spider-Man trilogy, Sam Raimi. After Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) opened the metaphysical door to gruesome creatures and powerful forces alike thanks to his actions in Spider-Man: No Way Home, those problems are coming home to roost in his solo sequel.

Thankfully, he has trusted advisor and current Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong) by his side, albeit somewhat begrudgingly. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also has the honor of introducing a new ally to the fold: America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), a teenager whose incredible powers are sure to come in handy over the course of the film. Not only that, but Wanda Maixmoff (Elizabeth Olsen) also has a large role to play in the proceedings after her time in WandaVision.

Screen Rant spoke to Wong and Gomez about working with director Sam Raimi, and what is in store for their characters in the new MCU film.

Screen Rant: We are in The Multiverse of Madness. Oh, teach me a hand trick! [They both demonstrate.] That’s it?

Benedict Wong: Yeah, I watch Kate Bush a lot.

Xochitl, welcome to the MCU. How do you describe the feeling?

Xochitl Gomez: Okay, the feeling is a little overwhelming. You can’t dismiss that. But it’s very exciting, and you’ve got Benny Wong here. Wonderful partner to have.

Benedict Wong: It’s amazing, isn’t it? She was 14 at the time. Just turned 16.

I just turned 16. Isn’t that crazy?

Benedict Wong: I mean, to have that level of pressure of filming something so big like this? Full credit to you.

Xochitl Gomez: It was fun!

We saw the first 20 minutes and, I have to say, you blew me away.

Xochitl Gomez: Oh, thank you. It’s just wonderful, isn’t it? The first 20 minutes.

It really drops you right in there.

Xochitl Gomez: It’s just “Vroom!”

Benedict Wong: You definitely hit the ground running, I think.

What would you say the best advice you’ve gotten from a fellow cast member about joining the MCU was?

Xochitl Gomez: Elizabeth Olsen, she gave me fantastic advice. She said to never hesitate to give Marvel an idea, or to just pitch in about your character. And that Marvel really means that when they want your advice, or any notes or anything.

I was like, “Okay…” And I did it! I took the advice, and it was really rewarding to actually see some of the notes I’ve given actually happen. Then we would do it in a scene, and it’s like, “Wow,” especially at my age. It was just, “Wow.”

Is there something you added about her character that you could share?

Xochitl Gomez: I think that might involve spoilers.

I have to say, Wong is employee of the year every year. He’s always cleaning up Dr. Strange’s mess; he’s always there to come in and help. I just love him so much.

Benedict Wong: Yeah, he’s the spiritual cleaner, isn’t he?

Yeah, we’ve gone from this no-nonsense midfield general librarian to the no-nonsense sorcerer supreme. And it’s a really interesting coupling, I find, with Wong and Strange. He’s forever trying to quell the wayward Strange with all these constant mistakes that he’s making.

It’s just a massive snowball effect of everything that he’s been up to.

And Wong’s been there for a lot of things throughout the MCU. Where does this rank in terms of big moments in the MCU? What kind of impact is this movie gonna have?

Benedict Wong: It’s a huge sort of crescendo moment, I think, for Wong. We’ve seen how he’s been stuck here, sedentary in the library, and now he’s kind of moved out from the library. We’ve seen him fight upon – I can’t say – in the film Shang-Chi, and so he’s obviously been training.

And it’s come to this; this greater responsibility that he has.

Xochitl, how do you describe your first day on set?

Xochitl Gomez: My first day on set? I remember I was very nervous. I was like, “Oh my gosh, this is so crazy.” But then it was like, the second I did the first take is always just [nerve-wracking]. Then after the first time, I was like, “I got this. You’re fine.”

Benedict Wong: You just grew into it, and got stronger and stronger.

Xochitl Gomez: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

And the cosplayers and Halloween costumes, all of that has to feel really special.

Xochitl Gomez: Yeah. I mean, I’ve already seen… I have my action figure here with me. I take it everywhere I go. Just because it’s so crazy that I am an action figure. And then, of course, there’s the jacket. It’s at stores now. It’s crazy!

How do you describe working with Sam Raimi? He’s such an icon.

Benedict Wong: Yes, he is. He’s so wonderful. He’s a legend in both of the genres, horror and superhero. I mean, the original OG of the Marvel Universe with all the Spider Man films. Yeah, he was fantastic on set.

Xochitl Gomez: He’s very adorable, I’d say. I just want to make him happy. It’s so cute when he’s at the edge of the seat for the, “Cut it! Cut it now!” He gets to the edge of his seat when he gets the take he wants.

Benedict Wong: “Cut it NOW!”

Xochitl Gomez: He is so funny. And he’s like, “Print it!”

Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness Synopsis

Rachel McAdams, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Xochitl Gomez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Stephen Strange casts a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse. However, a threat emerges that may be too big for his team to handle.

Check out our interview with Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness director Sam Raimi as well.

Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness arrives exclusively in theaters on May 6.

Key Release Dates