Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his portrayal of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently shared intriguing updates about his character's future. In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch revealed that Doctor Strange will not be part of the upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday, but will instead play a "central role" in its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. The actor inadvertently dropped a spoiler and humorously exclaimed "f\*\*k it" before divulging more about his character's trajectory. He hinted at Doctor Strange's significance in the unfolding narrative, stating, "He’s quite central to where things might go."
Cumberbatch also teased fans with news of a third standalone Doctor Strange film in the works. He expressed enthusiasm about the creative discussions surrounding the project, saying, "They are very open to discussing where we go next. Who do you want to write and direct the next one? What part of the comic lore do you want to explore so that Strange can keep evolving?" He emphasized the richness of the character, describing Doctor Strange as "a complex, contradictory, troubled human who’s got these extraordinary abilities," which offers ample material for further development.
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Regarding his absence from Avengers: Doomsday, Cumberbatch explained that it's due to "the character not aligning with this part of the story." The film, set to release on May 1, 2026, will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and reportedly Chris Evans as well, though details remain scarce. The Russo Brothers, former directors of the Avengers series, are at the helm, promising to continue the multiverse narrative with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter also expected to appear.
In the nearer future, Phase 6 of the MCU will commence with The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July. Following Avengers: Doomsday, fans can look forward to Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for release on May 7, 2027, where Doctor Strange will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.
