Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his portrayal of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has announced that his character will not appear in the upcoming Avengers film, titled "Avengers: Doomsday." However, fans can look forward to seeing Doctor Strange take on a "central role" in the sequel, "Avengers: Secret Wars." This revelation came during an interview with Variety where Cumberbatch, after accidentally dropping a spoiler, candidly exclaimed, "f\*\*k it," and shared further insights into his character's future in the MCU.
Cumberbatch expressed enthusiasm about the creative discussions surrounding the next standalone Doctor Strange film, hinting at a third installment. "They are very open to discussing where we go next," he stated. He emphasized the importance of choosing the right writer and director to explore new facets of the comic lore, ensuring that Doctor Strange continues to evolve. "He’s a very rich character to play. He’s a complex, contradictory, troubled human who’s got these extraordinary abilities, so there’s potent stuff to mess about with," he added.
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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Regarding his absence from "Avengers: Doomsday," Cumberbatch explained that it was due to "the character not aligning with this part of the story." This upcoming Avengers film will star Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and reportedly feature Chris Evans as well, though details remain scarce. The film will be directed by the former Avengers directors, the Russo Brothers, and is expected to delve deeper into the multiverse narrative, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter also set to appear.
Phase 6 of the MCU will commence with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" this July. "Avengers: Doomsday" is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, followed by "Avengers: Secret Wars" on May 7, 2027. With Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the latter, fans can anticipate an exciting continuation of his journey within the expansive Marvel universe.
