‘Doctor Strange’ actor Benedict Wong is the latest Hollywood celebrity to make an appearance the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC).
Wong, who will also appear in the upcoming ‘Avengers: Endgame’, out in the UAE on April 24, is replacing ‘Luke Cage’ actor Mike Colter who was initially announced as one of the headline stars at the three-day event, which runs from April 11 to 13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
While Wong is well known for his role as Kublai Khan in the Netflix series ‘Marco Polo’, it was his breakthrough act in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’ in 2016, playing sidekick to Benedict Cumberbatch, which shot him to fame. His on-screen character, also called Wong, reappeared in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ in 2018.
Aside from ‘Endgame’, Wong is also expected to reappear in the ‘Doctor Strange’ sequel that is widely expected to release in 2020.
Meanwhile, in a video message posted on MEFCC’s Instagram account, Colter has apologised to his fans for cancelling his appearance due to a last-minute shoot, without specifying details on the upcoming project.
“I know I was supposed to come out to see you in Dubai and I’m so sorry that I am not going to be able to come out to see you this year,” Colter said in the video, adding: “I was so looking forward to coming back down to that side of the world again and seeing Dubai for the first time.”
He further said: “I’m sorry, it’s kind of last minute obviously… But I promise you, if you have me out there next year, I will be there… Please forgive me. I am out here shooting something that I hope you guys are going to enjoy it.”
Wong will join other headliners confirmed at MEFCC this year, including ‘Game of Thrones’ star Iwan Rheon, voice actress Tara Strong and ‘The Walking Dead’ actor Ross Marquand at the pop culture and comic convention.
Various MEFCC ticket packages are available online now, starting with single-day passes at Dh115.