Veteran actor Ben Kingsley has revealed he based his controversial character of Mandarin from Iron Man 3 on people he met during his time at Royal Shakespeare Company, London.

Kingsley made his foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the 2013 film, led by Robert Downey Jr.

He played a British actor called Trevor Slattery, who antagonist Killian (Guy Pearce) hires to portray the Mandarin, leader of an international terrorist organization the Ten Rings.

"I did base him on some of the actors I rubbed shoulders with in the Royal Shakespeare Company...

"It is his finest hour. It is his greatest performance. I think, in all humility, I must say that Trevor is quite a splendid actor," the Oscar-winning actor has been quoted as saying.

Directed by Shane Black, "Iron Man 3" also starred Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Rebecca Hall, and Jon Favreau.