Before that comes to cinemas, hell be seen alongside the UKs other acting Benedict in MarvelsDoctor Strange.
Your Marco Polo character wants to be the emperor of the world.
How do you get inside the mind of an ego that size?
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You just sort of follow his actions.
How do you get yourself worked up to that level of fierceness?
He never takes no for an answer.
How do you get into the mind of feeling like that?
Im an actor, thats my job.
You just do different things in different scenes.
I mean, it does most of the work, doesnt it?
Youre sat in a position of power and youre at the top of the table.
The costumes, designed by Tim Yip and Jo Korer, are stunning.
The whole design gives everything this real opulence.
How practical are the costumes?
God, I mean, it was gruelling out there in Kazakhstan.
And then having to fight, it was a really gruelling day.
We did a lot of training and fighting with [Stunt Coordinator] Brett Chan.
Will we see some more action from your character in season two?
Is he getting off that throne?
Well have to see.
In season two the fighting looks incredible.
Hundred Eyes is a fantastic role and we get to see Tom Wus amazing martial arts skills.
Also Michelle Yeoh is joining us, so its going to be a very interesting season.
I think people will be pleased with it.
Where does season two find your character?
Moving forward, its all about those reactions really and potentially holding elections for a new Khan.
Hell be playing more chess then?
When hes playing chess hes always strategizing.
Hes playing chess but hes probably thinking about other things as well.
That must present specific challenges as an actor.
Its not a usual scene to be involved in.
I kind of think its a bit of a dance, trying to get everyone in the right positions.
It was a very nervous day though, with everyone being naked.
I tried to convince the crew to join us in solidarity but they didnt really get the memo!
Do you now have a Marvel contract for a hundred movies?
I dont really know about that!
That would be nice.
No, well start off with the first one.
Im just happy nearly completingDoctor Strange.
Im very excited to see what happens.
Hes more of a drill-sergeant.
Are you a fan of the Kung-Fu and martial arts genre in general?
Yeah, Ive always watched Bruce Lee films likeEnter The Dragon.
Im a fan of the martial arts genre but of many different genres as well.
Science-fiction, for instance.
Theres a really strong thread of UK sci-fi in the films youve made withSunshine,Moon,PrometheusandThe Martian.
Is that by design?
No, its just I seem to have been working a lot in space really!
I love working with wonderful auteurs like Danny [Boyle] and of course Ridley [Scott].
Ive been working with Alex Garland on Annihilation as well and Im very lucky to be involved.
Have you been approached for those roles or did you go through the usual audition process?
Yeah, you do the usual thing, you audition.
Again, youre surrounded by amazing people, its kind of this fantastic machine when you come on set.
I walked into the studios and theyd built this huge spaceship that you walk on with hydraulics underneath.
It was great to be reunited with him inThe Martianand also working onPrometheus.
Im a massive fan ofBlade Runner, and watching that on Imax was incredible.
Finally, can we talk about your work in another genre comedy?
[Laughs]
How do you feel about15 Storeys Highnow, looking back?
How long was it, about 15 years ago now?
I loved being challenged and finding that sort of great material.
What are your memories of that job?
We had a lot of fun with Prime.
It was good to work on.
Are you good atCountdown?
Can you get the conundrums?
Only every now and then!
If I shake my head from side to side, I can get them.
It says on IMDb that your second ever role was inLast Of The Summer Wine.
[Laughs] I think so, yeah.
I dont know about the second one, but that was with Blakey fromOn The Buses!
Was it easy to find TV jobs when you were an up-and-coming actor?
It was difficult starting out.
I ended up playing a lot of East Asian parts yet not playing anyone from Salford.
When youd get those opportunities, like15 Storeys, you had to grab them.
No-one could really explain it to me why my peers were happily getting auditions and it just wasnt there.
It was these little disheartening moments where you think, oh right, this towns not for me.
Is it still your aim to write your own series?
Im probably looking more into jotting things down potentially to write a film.
Its about creating work and finding a voice that I dont really see.
What is that voice?
I want to write about the British-Chinese experience.
Well see what happens.
Thats a little mini passion project whilst busying myself with everything else.
Benedict Wong, thank you very much!
Marco Polo season 2 arrives on Netflix on Friday the 1st of July.
