Photo: walt disney studios motion pictures/ everett

Benedict Cumberbatch’s magical superhero ties the Marvel Cinematic Universe together, according to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
The Oscar-nominated actor, 45, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week, andduring Feige’s speechcelebrating Cumberbatch, he explained how his magical character has grown to become a prominent figure in the world of the Avengers.
“To us and to millions around the globe, you deserve this honor for being the first, the best, the greatest and theonlyDoctor Stephen Strange,” he said. “Benedict has turned this character into an icon, appearing in a historic three of the top six films of all time.”
“It’s been quite a journey, I remember our very first meeting. … We wanted to pitch him this great character, and before we could he said, ‘So tell me about Doctor Strange,’ because somewhere you knew what this could be,” continued Feige. “You’ve always seen the tremendous potential in this character and because of that, you’ve become the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the only actor capable of guiding us through the madness of the Multiverse.”
Benedict Cumberbatch.ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Cumberbatch next plays the part in his standalone sequelDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessafter having a key role opposite Tom Holland in the recent box office smash-hitSpider-Man: No Way Home. He debuted in the role in 2016’sDoctor Strange.
In November, Cumberbatch reflected on taking the part of Doctor Strange, tellingEsquirehe had doubts at first: “I kind of had my doubts about it, from just going into the comics. I thought ‘This is a very dated, sexist character.’ And it’s very tied up in that crossover, that kind of East meets West occultism movement of the ’60s and ’70s. And then they sort of sold me on the bigger picture, on ‘Oh no, don’t worry, this will be very much a character of his time. And, yes, he has attitude problems … but this is what we envisage.’ "
source: people.com