In a revealing new interview with Variety, Benedict Cumberbatch, best known for playing the Sorcerer Supreme in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shared key details about Doctor Strange’s future.
The 48-year-old actor confirmed that while Strange will not appear in Avengers: Doomsday, releasing in 2026, the character will have a significant role in Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set to arrive in 2027.
Cumberbatch explained that the decision isn’t due to anything dramatic but rather because the story doesn’t call for Strange’s involvement.
“The character [is] not aligning with this part of the story,” he said.
While fans might miss his presence in Doomsday, the actor promised his return will be worth the wait, teasing that Strange is “in a lot” of Avengers: Secret Wars.
“He’s quite central to where things might go,” he added.
This news comes amidst some major shakeups in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Jonathan Majors, who played Kang the Conqueror and was initially set to be the primary villain in this phase of the MCU, was fired in 2024 following a conviction for assault and harassment.
Marvel Studios has since shifted gears, introducing Doctor Doom as the central antagonist, a move that also brings Robert Downey Jr. back into the fold—but not as Tony Stark.
Instead, Downey will step into Doom’s metal mask, marking a bold and surprising turn for the actor.
Downey’s return was officially announced at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, where he playfully teased, “New mask, same task,” referencing his transition from Marvel’s ultimate hero to one of its most iconic villains.
The shakeup has also reunited Marvel with fan-favourite directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who will helm both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The Russo brothers, known for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, are no strangers to tackling massive crossover events, and fans are buzzing about their return.
As for Cumberbatch, he hinted at even more to come for Doctor Strange, including a potential third solo movie. “They [Marvel] are very open to discussing where we go next…”
“He’s a very rich character to play,” he shared, describing Strange as “a complex, contradictory, troubled human who’s got these extraordinary abilities.”
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