Benedict Cumberbatch: Doctor Strange Absent from Avengers Doomsday, Key to Secret Wars

Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his portrayal of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has confirmed that his character will be absent from the upcoming blockbuster, Avengers Doomsday. However, fans can look forward to seeing Doctor Strange take on a "central role" in the sequel, Avengers Secret Wars. In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch accidentally dropped this spoiler, humorously exclaiming "f**k it" before sharing more insights into his character's future.

"He's quite central to where things might go," Cumberbatch revealed, teasing Doctor Strange's pivotal involvement in the narrative of Avengers Secret Wars. Additionally, he hinted at a third standalone Doctor Strange film being in the works. "They are very open to discussing where we go next," he stated, emphasizing the creative freedom and the depth of the character. "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'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."

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Regarding his decision to skip Avengers Doomsday, Cumberbatch explained that it's due to "the character not aligning with this part of the story." This upcoming Avengers installment will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and is rumored to include Chris Evans as well, though details remain scarce. The film is being helmed by former Avengers directors, the Russo Brothers, and is expected to further explore the multiverse, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter reportedly set to make an appearance.

Phase 6 of the MCU is set to commence with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. Avengers Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Fans of the MCU have much to look forward to with these exciting developments on the horizon.