In the MCU, Benedict Wong’s Wong met Stephen Strange in his role as librarian of Kamar-Taj, eventually befriending the future Sorcerer Supreme and assisting in his conflict with Dormammu. In Avengers: Infinity War, Wong returned to help Doctor Strange as well as Bruce Banner and Iron Man protect the Time Stone from Thanos’ forces on Earth. Later guarding the Sanctum Sanctorum while Stephen went into space, and assisting in the mass teleportation that swung Avengers: Endgame‘s final battle, this version of Wong has no problem helping Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. However, in the comics, Wong has a major problem with the Avengers.
In Marvel Comics, Wong first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (1963) as the sidekick and valet for Doctor Strange, following in his family’s tradition of serving mystics who likewise serve the forces of good. Appointed to Stephen by his mentor, the Ancient One, Wong proved capable of defending himself physically as well as magically as Stephen inherited the title of Sorcerer Supreme, thus becoming the premier defense against dangerous supernatural and occult threats. Stephen’s work alongside the heroes of Earth meant that occasionally they would show up at the Sanctum Sanctorum on Bleecker Street, requesting his help with a problem or enemy. Although Wong and Stephen remained neutral during Marvel’s Civil War, Doctor Strange made his choice when he opened his home as a sanctuary to unregistered heroes on the run from the government, specifically the New Avengers.
Although he is less than thrilled to be serving other heroes, which is certainly not in his pre-destined responsibilities, Wong adapts and does his best to feed and care for the heroes who’re dealing with the events of Civil War and Secret Invasion. The New Avengers are well aware of Wong’s feelings and do their best not to inconvenience him, occasionally causing him to lose his temper when their drama endangers Doctor Strange and his ability to assist him. When World War Hulk prompts Stephen to partake in dark magics to survive, an attack from the Hood and his criminal army is the last straw, and the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum are regretfully closed to the New Avengers as Stephen attempts to heal and deal with the forfeiture of his mystical title as Sorcerer Supreme. Sadly, this is only the beginning of Wong’s issues with the Avengers.
When Stephen is asked to rejoin the New Avengers in 2010, Wong shows up at the Avengers Mansion to fill the role as the new housekeeper, clearly not thrilled to be “a second-rate Jarvis for a pile of second-rate Avengers.” Declaring his intention to bring bodily harm to anyone who interferes with his kitchen, the tension reaches breaking point during Fear Itself when Wong meets Edwin Jarvis – the Avengers’ original housekeeper. When Jarvis introduces himself, Wong irritably acknowledges him but threatens the long-time Avengers butler to stay out of his kitchen or else, which the surprised Jarvis immediately agrees to. Writer Brian Michael Bendis made it clear in his time on the Avengers and New Avengers that wherever Stephen Strange goes, Wong will follow, but that does not mean he has to be happy about it.
In the MCU, the biggest change to the character came when Marvel wanted to avoid any outdated stereotypes by making Wong a teacher instead of a servant. In contrast, various comics writers have tried to modernize Wong by degrees, with Jason Aaron’s run on Doctor Strange revealing how essential he is to Stephen’s efforts, as well as how different the role of ‘housekeeper’ is when it applies to the mystical Sanctum Sanctorum rather than the crash pad of Earth’s Messiest Eaters. Still, given that Wong was able to cow big personalities like Wolverine and Jessica Jones, it’s fair to say that the comics Avengers respect his abilities as much as their MCU counterparts – if for entirely different reasons.
