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

Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed new details about Doctor Strange’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, confirming that Stephen Strange will not appear in *Avengers: Doomsday* but will play a “central role” in its follow-up, *Avengers: Secret Wars*. Speaking with *Variety*, Cumberbatch accidentally let slip the information and then doubled down, saying, “He’s quite central to where things might go.”

The actor also hinted at a third standalone *Doctor Strange* film in the works, explaining, “They are very open to discussing where we go next.” He added, “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?” Cumberbatch expressed enthusiasm for the character’s depth, noting, “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.”

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Upcoming Films and Series

18 Images

As for why Doctor Strange won’t be part of *Avengers: Doomsday*, Cumberbatch explained it comes down to “the character not aligning with this part of the story.” The upcoming Avengers film stars Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom and is expected to feature Chris Evans once again, although plot details remain scarce.

The Russo Brothers, known for directing *Avengers: Infinity War* and *Endgame*, are back to helm *Avengers: Doomsday*, which will reportedly continue the multiverse storyline. Hayley Atwell’s Agent Carter is also said to make an appearance, further expanding the narrative scope of the MCU’s Phase 6 and beyond.

In the near future, Marvel Phase 6 officially kicks off with *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* arriving this July. Following that, *Avengers: Doomsday* is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, while *Avengers: Secret Wars* is set to debut on May 7, 2027—promising a massive cinematic event that will likely redefine the MCU moving forward.