Cumberbatch magic boosts superhero movie in China

[Photo provided to CHINA DAILY]

For Cumberbatch, becoming a superhero in Marvel's cinematic universe was an amazing experience, says the 40-year-old actor.

"He (Doctor Strange) is not a god. He is a human. Unlike Iron Man, he did not start life as a billionaire or have a suit to protect him. He learns from his efforts. He has power from different sources, and is incredibly vulnerable," he says in Shanghai.

Chinese critics are optimistic about the film's potential in the country.

"Superhero films are now the most lucrative genre in the world. Around half of the top 10 top-grossing movies this year are superhero-themed," says Jiang Yong, a Beijing-based industry watcher.

So, despite the fact that China has a small fan base compared to the United States when it comes to Marvel comics, Jiang believes that Chinese moviegoers know at least as much as their American counterparts when it comes to modern superhero movies.

"Also for Chinese fans, watching such movies reminds them of their teenage dreams of becoming heroes and eases real-life pressures for them," he says.