Mads Mikkelsen Talks About Playing Kaecilius in Doctor Strange
Discovering Mads Mikkelsen’s Role in Doctor Strange
Mads Mikkelsen, a renowned actor, took on the role of Kaecilius in the Marvel Universe’s “Doctor Strange”. During a sit-down interview in Los Angeles, Mikkelsen gave us a glimpse into his experiences and thoughts on his role. This article gives you an in-depth look into Mads Mikkelsen’s journey and role in Doctor Strange.
Mikkelsen’s Preference: Villain or Hero?
“I’ll take the villain. I mean, in terms of playing characters, I think that any good hero, or any good villain has to be interesting, having both sides of the coin. And I think that’s exactly what Marvel always does, right?”
Mikkelsen clearly leans towards the villainous roles, embracing the complexity and dual nature that they offer. He appreciates the depth of the characters in the Marvel Universe and enjoys bringing them to life.
The Makeup Challenge
“It was fantastic. We were sitting in there for hours trying out this makeup, and I was like, “Oh god, do I really wanna do this every day?” But then it turned out so fantastic, I was like, “Yeah, that’s it. Three hours every day, we’ll do it. It’s worth it, really.”
“our skin was not super happy with it after when you took it off, obviously.”
Mikkelsen’s dedication to his role is clearly seen here. Despite the challenges of applying and removing makeup every day, and the toll it took on his skin, Mikkelsen was committed to the authenticity of his character.
Mikkelsen’s Foray into the Marvel and Star Wars Universe
“It’s, it seems appropriate. No, it feels fantastic. I mean, as a bloke who started out acting 20 years ago back home, uh, late starter, I never imagined that I would work in America at all. A little less that I would work in a Marvel film. So it feels as if I’m a very fortunate person.”
Having his name cemented into the Marvel Universe and also the Star Wars Universe in the same year was a significant milestone for Mikkelsen. His humble attitude and gratitude towards his career journey is quite refreshing.
The Villain Typecast
“I am to a degree over here. I mean, but if the alternative is not to work over here, I’ll take the villain. Luckily I do a lot of different things back home in Europe, so I’m not starving in that sense. Why am I always the villain? If it’s this kind of villain, I’ll take it any day.”
Despite being somewhat typecast as a villain in American cinema due to his performance in Hannibal, Mikkelsen has no qualms about it. He enjoys the complexity of these roles and the opportunities they present.
Mikkelsen’s Acting Mentor
“He’s a hero of mine, and I think he has the ability to somehow make the villains likeable.”
Mikkelsen looks up to Christopher Walken, admiring his ability to portray villains in a likeable manner. This admiration clearly influences Mikkelsen’s portrayal of his characters, adding a layer of depth to his villainous roles.
Mikkelsen’s Favourite Marvel Superhero
“Spiderman was easily accessible, right? He’s a kid, and he’s fun, and he can do stuff, that’s cool. So I think that was easy to identify with as a kid.”
Even though he is known for his villainous roles, Mikkelsen’s favourite Marvel superhero as a kid was Spiderman. The relatable and fun nature of Spiderman clearly left an impression on him.
The Appeal of Doctor Strange
” You know Scott was pitching on the phone the story, and then I remember he said “And then, it’s a lot of, you know, a lot of Kung Fu stuff, flying, but don’t worry, we got stunt guys for that.” I was like, “Wow, hold, wow, wow, hold on, what’d you say?” “We’ve got st-.” “No, no, rewind back, Kung Fu, I’m on.”
“So, it’s like Marvel and flying Kung Fu, I was like, I think that could be a yes. I always wanted to be Bruce Lee when I was a kid & wait until I was 51 years old to be a slightly older version of him, just a less good of course. But it was fun. It was, it was something I’ve always wanted to do when I was a kid.”
The challenge of performing Kung Fu and flying stunts was a major appeal for Mikkelsen when deciding to take on the role of Kaecilius. His childhood aspiration to be like Bruce Lee seemed to have played a part in his decision.
Challenges in Filming Doctor Strange
“Logistic is obviously, you’ve seen the film, you know that it’s upside-down mirrored. It’s like so when we, we try to kind of cope with all that, and we might be hanging upside down, on the ceiling, and so it’s like, “Wow, where’s Strange now? Is he on the left side or the right side? Am I hiding that way or that way?” And we constantly had to go and see the previous little videos they have of what we’re doing with animated characters and try to stand and go “Okay, so he’s there, and he’s, okay, so that means he’s up there.” So, it was very tricky to get that right.”
The filming of Doctor Strange was no easy feat. The logistics of filming scenes that were upside-down and mirrored required Mikkelsen and the rest of the cast to constantly refer to animations and videos to ensure accuracy in their performances.
Mikkelsen’s Keepsakes from Doctor Strange
“I can’t tell you because they’d want it back”
Like many actors, Mikkelsen kept a few mementos from the set of Doctor Strange. However, what exactly these keepsakes are remains a mystery.
In conclusion, Mads Mikkelsen’s role in Doctor Strange offered him the opportunity to explore complex characters, take on physical challenges, and contribute to the Marvel Universe in a significant way. His experiences and insights reveal the dedication and passion he brings to his roles.
| Topic | Details |
|—|—|
| Actor | Mads Mikkelsen |
| Role | Kaecilius |
| Movie | Doctor Strange |
| Preference | Prefers playing villains |
| Favorite Scene | First encounter and battle with Doctor Strange |
| Makeup | Took 3 hours daily, was worth it |
| Preparation | Went over scenes during makeup application |
| Skin | Unhappy with makeup removal |
| Other roles | Star Wars Universe |
| Typecast | Villain roles due to Hannibal performance |
| Mentor | Christopher Walken |
| Favorite Marvel superhero | Spiderman |
| Reason for accepting role | “It’s Marvel” |
| Challenging part of film | Logistics of filming, dealing with upside-down mirrored scenes |
| Kept from set | Won’t tell |
| Fan love | Loves his fans too |
Deep Dive into Mads Mikkelsen’s Character in Doctor Strange
As Kaecilius, Mikkelsen brought a sense of depth and complexity to the villainous role. It’s not just about being evil for the sake of it. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Kaecilius shows a character who is driven by a profound belief in his cause, making him a villain who is as intriguing as he is menacing.
Mikkelsen’s Preparation for the Role
“It was a lot of physical training. We did a lot of Kung Fu, and I had a couple of good stunt guys who made me look like I was Bruce Lee.”
Mikkelsen’s commitment to the role is evident in his rigorous physical training. His dedication to mastering Kung Fu and performing stunts not only added authenticity to his role but also fulfilled a childhood dream of his.
Incorporating Mikkelsen’s Personality into Kaecilius
As an actor, Mikkelsen is known for his ability to bring a certain charm and charisma to his characters, even when they are villains. This unique trait was not lost in his portrayal of Kaecilius. Despite being the antagonist, Mikkelsen’s Kaecilius exudes a certain allure that is hard to deny.
Mikkelsen’s Thoughts on the Marvel Universe
“It’s a universe I respect a lot, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it. I think they have the ability to make superhero films with a lot of depth, and that’s a rare thing.”
Mikkelsen’s respect for the Marvel Universe is palpable. He admires the depth and complexity that is inherent in Marvel’s superhero films, and being a part of it is something he cherishes.
Comparing Kaecilius with Other Villains
When compared with other villains in the Marvel Universe, Kaecilius stands out in his own right. Unlike other villains who are driven by power or revenge, Kaecilius is driven by his belief in a cause. This makes his character more complex and interesting, setting him apart from other villains.
Mikkelsen’s Experience Working with the Doctor Strange Cast
“It was a fantastic experience. Working with Benedict (Cumberbatch) was great. He’s a very dedicated actor and a fantastic Doctor Strange.”
Mikkelsen’s experience on the set of Doctor Strange was positive. He enjoyed working with his co-stars, particularly Benedict Cumberbatch, whose dedication to his role left a lasting impression on Mikkelsen.
Mikkelsen’s Contribution to the Doctor Strange Franchise
With his portrayal of Kaecilius, Mikkelsen has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Doctor Strange franchise. His commitment to the role, coupled with his unique charm and charisma, contributed to the success of the film and the character’s enduring appeal.
Mikkelsen’s Future in the Marvel Universe
While it’s unclear whether Mikkelsen will reprise his role as Kaecilius in future Marvel films, his performance in Doctor Strange has certainly left audiences wanting more. Whether it’s another villainous role or a surprise twist, Mikkelsen’s future in the Marvel Universe is something to look forward to.
FAQs about Mads Mikkelsen’s Role in Doctor Strange
Who does Mads Mikkelsen play in Doctor Strange?
Mads Mikkelsen plays the character Kaecilius, the main antagonist in Doctor Strange.
Did Mads Mikkelsen do his own stunts in Doctor Strange?
Yes, Mikkelsen underwent rigorous physical training and performed many of his own stunts in Doctor Strange.
What is Mikkelsen’s view on his character Kaecilius?
Mikkelsen sees Kaecilius as a complex character driven by a profound belief in his cause, making him an intriguing and menacing villain.
With this in-depth look at Mads Mikkelsen’s role in Doctor Strange, it’s clear that his portrayal of Kaecilius is one of depth, complexity, and intrigue. His commitment to the role, his unique charm, and his respect for the Marvel Universe all contribute to his standout performance in the film.
FAQs
1. Who does Mads Mikkelsen play in Doctor Strange?
Mads Mikkelsen plays the character Kaecilius in Doctor Strange.
2. Does Mikkelsen prefer playing the villain or the hero?
Mikkelsen has expressed a preference for villainous roles due to their complexity and dual nature.
3. Did Mikkelsen enjoy the makeup process for his role in Doctor Strange?
Despite the long hours and the toll it took on his skin, Mikkelsen found the makeup process worth it due to the authenticity it added to his character.
4. Has Mikkelsen worked in other major franchises?
Yes, besides the Marvel Universe, Mikkelsen has also had a role in the Star Wars Universe.
5. Is Mikkelsen typecast as a villain?
While he is often cast as a villain in American cinema, Mikkelsen doesn’t mind as he enjoys the complexity of these roles.
6. Who is Mikkelsen’s acting mentor?
Mikkelsen admires Christopher Walken for his ability to make villains likeable.
7. Who is Mikkelsen’s favourite Marvel superhero?
Mikkelsen’s favourite Marvel superhero as a kid was Spiderman.
8. What appealed to Mikkelsen about the role in Doctor Strange?
The challenge of performing Kung Fu and flying stunts appealed to Mikkelsen when deciding to take on the role of Kaecilius.
9. What challenges did Mikkelsen face while filming Doctor Strange?
The logistics of filming scenes that were upside-down and mirrored were challenging for Mikkelsen and the rest of the cast.
10. Did Mikkelsen keep any mementos from the set of Doctor Strange?
Yes, Mikkelsen did keep a few mementos from the set, but he has not disclosed what they are.
