Marvel's Benedict Cumberbatch: Doctor Strange Skips Avengers Finale, Joins Secret Wars

Benedict Cumberbatch reveals Doctor Strange's pivotal role in future MCU installments. While skipping Avengers: Doomsday, the Sorcerer Supreme will be "quite central" to the events of Avengers: Secret Wars, according to Cumberbatch's interview with Variety. He even let slip a potential third standalone Doctor Strange film is in the works.

Cumberbatch elaborated on the character's ongoing development, stating that Marvel is open to exploring various comic book storylines to further evolve Strange's complex and multifaceted personality. He highlighted the inherent dramatic potential of portraying a troubled individual with extraordinary abilities.

"They are very open to discussing where we go next," Cumberbatch stated. "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?"

Regarding Strange's absence from Avengers: Doomsday, Cumberbatch explained that the character's arc simply doesn't align with that particular narrative. This upcoming Avengers film, directed by the Russo Brothers, features Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and reportedly Chris Evans, amongst others, navigating a multiverse storyline that also includes Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter.

The MCU's Phase 6 begins with The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July. Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.

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