'Dr Strange' cast inspired by teaching from Buddhist monk on set Reuters, Oct 31, 2016 Los Angeles, CA (USA) -- Tutelage from a Buddhist monk helped  British actor Benedict Cumberbatch with his starring role in "Doctor  Strange", the latest film from Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cumberbatch stars as  Stephen Strange, an arrogant  surgeon who draws on powers  of mysticism and spirituality  when his glamorous life is taken  away from him after damaging  his hands in a car accident. "That's a great practice to have in your life - full stop," said Cumberbatch, referring to the mindfulness training the monk, Gelong  Thubten, provided on set.  "As an actor it's great because it brings you into that moment of stillness and presence. You've got a lot of people demanding your attention in film making." The Tibetan Buddhist monk was invited on set by British actress Tilda Swinton, who plays mystical character "The Ancient One", who transforms Strange from incompetent student to a magic-wielding sorcerer. "I introduced him to the project and he's been hanging out with us and teaching everybody, if they don't know, about mindfulness and about how to still the mind," Swinton told Reuters. Watch: "Doctor Strange" cast talk mindfulness  (YouTube)