Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Doctor Strange, has confirmed that his character will not be featured in the upcoming Avengers Doomsday but will take on a "central role" in its sequel, Avengers Secret Wars. In a candid moment during an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch accidentally let slip this spoiler, reacting with a casual "f**k it" before elaborating on Doctor Strange's future in the MCU. He hinted at a significant role for his character in the narrative arcs to come, stating, "He’s quite central to where things might go." Additionally, Cumberbatch revealed that a third standalone Doctor Strange film is in the works, showcasing the studio's commitment to further exploring the character.
Cumberbatch expressed enthusiasm about the creative direction of the next Doctor Strange film, emphasizing the open discussions about potential writers and directors and the aspects of comic lore they might delve into. He described Doctor Strange as a "rich character to play," highlighting the complexities and contradictions that make the role so compelling and dynamic.
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Regarding his absence from Avengers Doomsday, Cumberbatch explained that it stems from "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 sparse. The Russo Brothers, known for their work on previous Avengers films, are directing, promising to continue the multiverse theme with Hayley Atwell reprising her role as Agent Carter.
The MCU's Phase 6 is set to begin with The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, leading up to Avengers Doomsday and culminating with Avengers Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of movies and TV shows as the Marvel universe continues to expand and evolve.