Kevin Feige Says Benedict Cumberbatch Has Become The MCU’s Anchor

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Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, has recently labeled Benedict Cumberbatchas the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s anchor. First taking on thetitular role in Doctor Strange back in 2016, Cumberbatch’s sorcerer has become synonymous with the magical side of the MCU. After Doctor Strange became a Master of the Mystic Arts, he briefly cameoed in Thor: Ragnarok before going on to play an integral role in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and the recent mega-hit Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Cumberbatch’s role in Avengers: Infinity War was an important one for setting him up to be at the center of the MCU's Phase 4. Doctor Strange was paired with Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark/Iron Man for most of the film. Having been introduced back in 2008 as the first MCU hero in Iron Man, Tony Stark has often been treated as the franchise's lead. However, with Tony Stark’s sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame to defeat Thanos (Josh Brolin), a vacuum was left for someone to take on his role. While other veteran heroes like Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) or Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) could’ve taken Stark’s place as an «anchor» of sorts, their stories also came to an end in Avengers: Endgame. While Stark and Strange did not have a perfect relationship, the two displayed mutual respect during Endgame's final battle, which may have acted as Stark passing a torch to Strange.

Related: Doctor Strange 2's Iron Man Is A New Stark (Not Tony) — Theory Explained

During a speech to celebrate Cumberbatch receiving a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (via The Direct), Feige shared his congratulations with the Doctor Strange star. Although Feige made a point of giving Cumberbatch credit for many of his iconic roles, when