Benedict Cumberbatch recently shared details with Variety about the future of his character, Doctor Strange, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the character won’t appear in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (the fifth Avengers film), he will play a pivotal role in Avengers: Secret Wars (the sixth installment). This long wait has understandably upset fans.
Why will Strange miss Avengers:Doomsday?
Cumberbatch revealed that the plot of the fifth film underwent significant changes. Initially, Kang the Conqueror was set to be the main villain, but following controversy with actor Jonathan Majors, Marvel reworked the storyline. The new antagonist will be Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., known for his portrayal of Iron Man.
In the comics, Doctor Doom possesses powerful magic, and it seems Marvel decided one magician was enough for the film.
Doctor Strange’s return in Secret Wars
In the sixth Avengers movie, Doctor Strange will take center stage. Cumberbatch hinted that the plot might be inspired by the Secret Wars comics, where after the collision of two universes, Doctor Doom creates the Battleworld and calls himself God Emperor. Doctor Strange becomes the sheriff under his rule.
Marvel hasn’t confirmed how closely the film’s storyline will follow the comics, but the potential for such an epic character arc has left fans intrigued.
A third solo Doctor Strange film
Cumberbatch also confirmed that Marvel is planning a third solo Doctor Strange film. The studio is in the development stage, exploring comic stories to adapt and selecting writers and a director. In the second film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, a potential adventure related to the Dark Dimension was teased.
Release Dates
- Avengers:Doomsday – May 1, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars – May 7, 2027
Marvel fans are eagerly anticipating the return of one of the franchise's most beloved characters and the unfolding of his grand new storylines.
