Mads Mikkelsen, known for his roles in blockbuster hits like Casino Royale and the eagerly awaited Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, reveals that Doctor Strange fulfilled a long-held personal aspiration: to engage in kung fu action. In anticipation of the Marvel film’s premiere, Mikkelsen discussed his character, the enigmatic sorcerer Kaecilius, his distinctive and striking eye makeup, and the compelling reasons that drew him to this role in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Nuance of Villainy: Kaecilius’s Motivations
While Benedict Cumberbatch has described Mikkelsen’s Doctor Strange character as a “dastardly villain,” Mikkelsen himself offers a more complex perspective. He delves into the motivations behind Kaecilius’s actions, suggesting a depth that transcends typical villainy.
“Yes,” Mikkelsen acknowledges, regarding the villainous label. “But that’s always a good thing about villains, if they are interesting — if you have a goal that the audience goes, ‘That’s a pretty cool goal.’” He elaborates on Kaecilius’s objectives, drawing a parallel with the hero’s mission: “His mission is not necessarily so much different than Doctor Strange’s. He wants to create a better world. But his means are probably not what everybody would agree are okay.” This nuanced portrayal suggests a villain driven by a perhaps misguided but understandable desire for a better world, setting the stage for a compelling conflict within Doctor Strange.
Kung Fu Dreams Fulfilled: Action in Doctor Strange
When asked about what specifically attracted him to the role of Kaecilius, Mads Mikkelsen’s answer was immediate and enthusiastic: “It’s flying kung fu!” He recounts his initial conversation with director Scott Derrickson, where the prospect of physical action was pitched. “[Director] Scott Derrickson was pitching the story on the phone, and within five minutes he said something about kung fu, and I said, ‘Say that again.’ ‘Well, there’s a lot of physicality, kung fu, and obviously you don’t have to do the whole thing, we have stunt guys.’ ‘I’m on! I’m doing the whole thing! I’m on!’” Mikkelsen laughs, revealing the childlike excitement he felt at the prospect of fulfilling a “childhood dream.”
His admiration for martial arts legend Bruce Lee further fueled his enthusiasm. “Bruce Lee was my biggest hero and still is,” Mikkelsen states. He humorously reflects on the opportunity to perform kung fu at this stage in his career: “At the age of 50, you get to do stuff that you probably should have done when you were 15. But hey, who am I to say no?” This passion for action and martial arts clearly played a significant role in his decision to embrace the role in Doctor Strange.
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The Eye-Catching Makeup: A Three-Hour Transformation
One of the most visually striking aspects of Kaecilius in Doctor Strange is the elaborate makeup around Mads Mikkelsen’s eyes. Mikkelsen detailed the extensive process involved in achieving this look. “It took almost three hours,” he reveals. Despite the lengthy application, he found a positive aspect to the routine: “It’s a nice warm-up! You get in the chair, and you try to relax and focus on the day’s work ahead of you. So I don’t mind at all.”
However, the daily makeup application did take a toll on his skin. “My skin is disagreeing completely, because for weeks in a row of doing that, your skin gets very sick and tired of doing it.” The dedication to the role and the visual aesthetic of Kaecilius clearly required commitment and endurance from Mikkelsen, even in the makeup chair. As for the in-universe reason for the distinctive makeup, Mikkelsen teases, “Now, see, that is one of the things you have to see the film to understand. Or maybe I can tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.” This playful secrecy only adds to the intrigue surrounding his character and the film.
Mikkelsen Brothers vs. Benedict Cumberbatch: A Family Affair?
The conversation shifted to a humorous family connection when Mikkelsen was asked about his brother, Lars Mikkelsen, who also played a villain opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock. Regarding his brother’s experience, Mads Mikkelsen shared, “Absolutely. He loved the way Benedict welcomes people on board on what is predominately his show.”
This connection sparked a playful idea. “I think we need to hook up now, me and my brother, and eventually we’ll get away with killing him in one film, because we’re not doing a good job.” He joked about teaming up with his brother to take on Cumberbatch’s characters on screen. When questioned if two Mikkelsens would be enough to defeat a Cumberbatch character, he laughed, “I’m not sure two’s enough. But we’ll give it a shot!” This lighthearted banter provides a glimpse into the camaraderie among actors and adds a fun dimension to the interview, linking back to Cumberbatch and his role in Doctor Strange.
In conclusion, Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Kaecilius in Doctor Strange is shaped by a blend of nuanced villainous motivations and the fulfillment of personal aspirations, particularly his long-held dream of performing kung fu. His dedication to the role, enduring the extensive makeup process, and his playful connection with Benedict Cumberbatch, all contribute to the anticipation surrounding his character and the Marvel movie.
