Dubai's architecture is stunning: Benedict Wong

We catch up with the Marvel regular at MEFCC about his visit to the city, his introduction to the industry, being stereotyped because of race and upcoming projects

Part of the Middle East Film & Comic Con's grand appeal, which has seen the ever-evolving convention become one of Dubai's tent-pole calendar events, has always been its inclusive embrace. Over the eight incarnations since its 2012 inception, the MEFCC has welcomed and encouraged all with open arms. Whatever your show or game allegiance, your particular fandom niche or if you just like seeing famous people in the flesh, the frenzied joyous atmosphere on display when walking through the exhibitions in the Dubai World Trade Centre is infectious.
On any given day you'll witness a flurry of Game of Thrones addicts in homemade bleach blonde Daenerys Targaryen wigs huddled in a corner with a round of large Costa cappuccinos, Star Wars Storm Troopers whose striding can only indicate they take their duties very seriously and a bevy of mini Batmans, Jokers and Captain Marvels tearing around outside, no doubt running off some of the plentiful Haribo supplies dotted about. Gender, age, race nor creed plays any part in the distribution of costumes or interests at the MEFCC. You are into what you're into and that's that.
It was with this celebration of diversity in mind we began speaking with one of this year's guests of honour, Benedict Wong. Now a Marvel regular in films including Doctor Strange, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game, the Salford, Greater Manchester native began his career in smaller scale British TV productions and films including A Cock and Bull Story (2005) and the excellent Grow Your Own (2007).
His upcoming project, Armando Ianucci's The Personal History of David Copperfield, in which he will play Mr. Wickfield, is a period piece chronicling the fictional Dickens character, David Copperfield's life.
"We've seen enough of the normal over the years and we just want to see a different take and flavour," Wong said on the casting direction, which also includes Dev Patel starring as the titular David Copperfield.
"They just threw the usual out of the window and said: 'of course you can'...It's like the British version of The Avengers, the Dickensian Avengers. It's amazing.
"In terms of you as an actor - being boxed in because of race or colour makes it very limiting or narrow. People just want to play human roles. That's the ongoing fight. We're getting there slowly."
The search for variety, for Wong, appears to be his paramount consideration for taking on parts. A Salford City College performing arts graduate, the actor told us his aspirations initially went as far as a desire to tread the Royal Exchange Theatre boards in Manchester. However, whilst jobbing around the UK TV and film industry, it was the self-labelled 'Year Of The Gangster' that prompted Wong to broaden his performance horizons.
"In one year, I played six gangsters. I got offered a seventh one and I had to say I was all 'gangster-ed' out.
"I now pick something that resonates and challenges me through the medium of acting. It's tough out there, but I've been really fortunate. I'm in a very good position now with choosing the work. It's about what I'd like to say."
This step-by-step, measured approach has led to starring appearances in blockbusters including Kick-A** 2 (2013), The Martian (2015) and Annihilation (2018). It was 2012's Ridley Scott Alien prequel Prometheus, though, that provides a stand-out memory from the journey.
"I'm a huge Blade Runner fan and Ridley was one of my heroes. When we were on Prometheus there were these huge sets that had to be moved around. Some actors may not be too happy waiting, but I thought 'I've been waiting 20 years for this, so an extra hour won't hurt.'
"Sat down, you're on the spaceship in the craft design you know so well. There was a metal grille on the floor. When you walked over it, it made that same sound as in Alien. It was quite chilling!"
Currently receiving praise for his turn in SyFy show Deadly Class, Wong will also be seen as a Skeksis in an impending Dark Crystal prequel and as Bull the bulldog in a live action remake of Lady and the Tramp.
Asked whether there will ever be a point where he will consider himself to have 'made it', the performer replied in a typically understated fashion: "I don't like to put it like that. It's just ongoing. I want to stay out of patterns."
On visiting Dubai
"The architecture is stunning. I'm not sure if I'll have time to be able to check out the sand dunes. People really love it here and it has been really nice to connect with the audience in the Middle East," said Benedict.
 
 
david@khaleejtimes.com 

• Dubai