has said it is an ‘expected disappointment’ that his new Doctor Strange film because of LGBTQ+ references.
The actor criticised ‘repressive regimes’ for their ‘lack of tolerance’ and said it is proof of the importance of including characters from different backgrounds.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness introduces the comic book character America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, who is gay.
Homosexuality is illegal across the Gulf and films that feature LGBTQ+ references often fail to get past censors.
Benedict said: ‘It’s difficult not to become emotional about it, to be honest. But it is, I’m afraid, an expected disappointment.’
‘We’ve come to know from those repressive regimes that their lack of tolerance is exclusionary to people who deserve to be not only included but celebrated for who they are, and made to feel a part of a society and a culture and not punished for their sexuality.’
The Imitation Game star added that the ban ‘feels truly out of step with everything that we’ve experienced as a species, let alone where we’re at globally as a culture.’
‘But frankly, it’s just even more reason why this isn’t tokenism to include an LGBTQ+ community member.’
The Sherlock actor explained how the gay character is featured in the original comics and was not created ‘for the sake of diversity.’
He said America was included in the movie ‘because of how awesome she is as a character,’ stressing her sexuality is just ‘one aspect of her character and that’s all it should be.’
Benedict also feels saddened that including LGBTQ+ characters is such a major issue, and he wishes the conversation wasn’t so ‘politically charged’ but, since it is, ‘we still have to fight.’
‘We still have to push for inclusion and equality and I’m very glad in a small way but on a very big canvas, Marvel and Disney are doing that.’
His co-star Elizabeth Olsen added that, since America is a character in the comics, they are just representing the original story and ‘representing inclusion; by bringing it to life on the big screen.
‘I think it’s too bad for the fans that are in other countries and won’t be able to see and I hope that they find ways to see it,’ she said.
‘We’re not in control of that as actors, or even people higher up from us. So it’s definitely disappointing for fans, but I also am proud to be a part of a film that represents and stands for inclusion and diversity.’
 sees Benedict return to the role of Dr Stephen Strange, who casts a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse.
However, and as to be expected, it isn’t plain sailing, as a threat emerges that may be too big for his team to handle.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness is released in UK cinemas on May 5.
