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

Benedict Cumberbatch recently revealed that Doctor Strange will be absent from Avengers: Doomsday, but will have a pivotal role in its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. He let slip this information to Variety, adding a playful "f*** it" after realizing he'd dropped a spoiler.

Cumberbatch elaborated, stating that Doctor Strange's role in the upcoming films is "quite central to where things might go." He also confirmed that a third standalone Doctor Strange film is in the works. The actor expressed enthusiasm for the future of the character, highlighting the opportunities for exploration within the rich comic book lore. He described Doctor Strange as a "very rich character...a complex, contradictory, troubled human who’s got these extraordinary abilities," suggesting ample material for future storylines.

He explained Doctor Strange's absence from Avengers: Doomsday as a matter of character alignment, stating "the character not aligning with this part of the story." Avengers: Doomsday 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 will apparently continue the multiverse storyline, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter also rumored to appear.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Upcoming Movies and TV Shows

18 Images

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.