Benedict Cumberbatch: Doctor Strange Absent from Avengers Doomsday, Central to Secret Wars

Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Doctor Strange, has revealed that his character will not be part of the upcoming Avengers film, Avengers Doomsday. Instead, Cumberbatch hinted at a "central role" for Doctor Strange in the sequel, Avengers Secret Wars. In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch inadvertently dropped this spoiler, exclaiming "f\*\*k it" before elaborating on his character's future in the MCU. He teased that Doctor Strange's involvement in Avengers Secret Wars is pivotal to the unfolding narrative, and he also mentioned the development of a third standalone Doctor Strange movie.

Cumberbatch expressed enthusiasm about the creative direction for his character, noting, "They are very open to discussing where we go next. 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? He’s a very rich character to play. He’s a complex, contradictory, troubled human who’s got these extraordinary abilities, so there’s potent stuff to mess about with."

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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." Avengers Doomsday will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and reportedly Chris Evans as well, though details remain scarce. The film, directed by the Russo Brothers, is expected to delve further into the multiverse saga, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter also set to appear.

Looking ahead, Phase 6 of the MCU will commence with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. Avengers Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.