Benedict Cumberbatch has confirmed that his Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Doctor Strange, will not be part of the upcoming Avengers film, "Avengers Doomsday," but he will have a "central role" in its sequel, "Avengers Secret Wars." In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch inadvertently dropped a spoiler, humorously exclaiming "f**k it" before sharing more about his character's future. He highlighted Doctor Strange's importance in the MCU's narrative arc, stating, "He’s quite central to where things might go." Additionally, Cumberbatch revealed plans for a third standalone Doctor Strange movie, expressing excitement about exploring further comic lore and character development. He described Doctor Strange as "a very rich character to play," emphasizing the complexity and potential for growth in the character's journey.
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Cumberbatch explained that Doctor Strange's absence from "Avengers Doomsday" is due to the character not fitting into the film's storyline. "Avengers Doomsday," set to release on May 1, 2026, will be directed by the Russo Brothers and will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, with rumors of Chris Evans also returning. The film will continue to explore the multiverse, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter reportedly making an appearance.
Phase 6 of the MCU will begin with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" this July, setting the stage for the subsequent Avengers films. "Avengers Secret Wars" is scheduled for release on May 7, 2027, where Doctor Strange is expected to play a pivotal role.
