Doctor Strange: No love story but lots of respect for Benedict Cumberbatch

If audiences find thefantastical action particularly believable inMarvel's new movieDoctor Strangeit's likely due to the chemistry between the film's stars Rachel McAdams andBenedictCumberbatch.

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Like the eponymous comic books, the movie centres on Dr. Stephen Strange, an egotisticalneurosurgeon turned superhero who must save the world from mystical threats.

The supernatural action flick sees McAdams play trauma surgeon Christine Palmer opposite Cumberbatch's super sorcerer simultaneouslybalancingDr. Strange's high-flying ego and the film's otherworldly special effects.

"I have to thank Benedict for helping me with that one,"the London, Ont.-born actress toldCBC'sEliGlasner.

"He was up on wires flying around the roomactuallyso I was not really talking to tennis balls," she explained, referring to the sports item often used to stand in for absent co-stars.

Also absent from the filmis a romantic love story between the two characters.

Early versions of the script called forChristine and Dr. Strange to be in a relationshipbut shortly before filming, director Scott Derricksonchanged his mind.

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"Scott came to us with this idea that they had already been through that and came out the other side of it as friends," saidMcAdams. "But I think that the love is between them no matter what stage they're at in the actual relationship."

Like her character, McAdamsshares a deep professional respect for Cumberbatch.

"He's so wonderful," she said. "I think he's just one of the best talents out there."

Doctor Strange opens in theatres Friday.