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Marvel Star Benedict Cumberbatch Says Doctor Strange Is Skipping Avengers Doomsday But Is a 'Central' Part of Secret Wars

Author:Kristen Update:Feb 22,2025

Benedict Cumberbatch reveals Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the MCU's future, while confirming his absence from Avengers: Doomsday. In a recent interview with Variety, Cumberbatch, while initially dropping a spoiler, confirmed Doctor Strange will be a "quite central" figure in Avengers: Secret Wars. He even hinted at a third standalone Doctor Strange film being in the works.

Cumberbatch elaborated on the character's development potential, stating that Marvel is open to exploring various aspects of the comics to allow Strange's continued evolution. He highlighted the character's complexity and internal conflicts as fertile ground for future storylines.

Regarding Strange's absence from Avengers: Doomsday, Cumberbatch explained that the character's arc simply doesn't align with the narrative of that particular film. Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release May 1, 2026, will reportedly star Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and Chris Evans, though plot details remain scarce. The Russo Brothers are directing, and the film is expected to continue the multiverse storyline, potentially featuring Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter.

Phase 6 of the MCU begins with The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July. Following Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars is scheduled for release on May 7, 2027.

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