Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed that his Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Doctor Strange, will not be part of the upcoming Avengers Doomsday but is set to play a "central role" in its sequel, Avengers Secret Wars. In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch accidentally let slip this spoiler and humorously responded with "f**k it" before sharing further details. He hinted at Doctor Strange's significance in the future of the MCU, saying, "He’s quite central to where things might go." Additionally, he teased the development of a third standalone Doctor Strange movie, expressing enthusiasm about exploring new aspects of the character's rich and complex lore. "They are very open to discussing where we go next," Cumberbatch remarked, pondering on potential writers, directors, and comic storylines that could be delved into to further evolve Doctor Strange. He described the character as "a complex, contradictory, troubled human who’s got these extraordinary abilities," highlighting the depth and potential for growth in the role.
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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 specifics remain scarce. The Russo Brothers, former directors of Avengers films, are at the helm of this project, which is expected to delve deeper into the multiverse, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter also rumored to appear.
Phase 6 of the MCU will commence with The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July. Following Avengers Doomsday, Avengers Secret Wars is slated for release on May 7, 2027, where Doctor Strange will take a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative.
