Benedict Cumberbatch Reveals Doctor Strange’s Absence in Avengers vs. Doctor Doom, Teases Major Role in Secret Wars and Upcoming Solo Film

We’re still not sure if Marvel Studios has completely turned things around or if they’re still experiencing a bit of turbulence. Nevertheless, plans for the next two Avengers films are moving full steam ahead, with filming expected to start later this year. This means we can anticipate some major casting announcements soon. One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s major players at the moment is Doctor Strange, but Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed that he won’t be appearing in “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is scheduled for a May 1, 2026 release.

The script is likely nearing completion, at least as much as a Marvel script can be before it undergoes numerous rewrites during filming. As such, it’s reasonable that some of the MCU’s key actors are being briefed on their characters’ futures. Currently promoting his new film “The Thing With Feathers,” Cumberbatch candidly informed Variety that Stephen Strange won’t be joining Earth’s Mightiest Heroes when they confront Doctor Doom. However, he assured fans that Strange will make a return.

According to Cumberbatch, Strange’s absence is because he doesn’t fit “with this part of the story.” This makes sense considering the events in the post-credits scene of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” where Strange is greeted by Clea (played by Charlize Theron), the niece of the cosmic villain Dormammu. She brings up the issue of incursions, politely asking him to work with her to fix some impending problems.

Ideally, it would have been great to see a third Doctor Strange movie before the upcoming Avengers films, but that seems unlikely unless an announcement comes this year with a set release between the two, similar to what happened with Tom Holland’s fourth Spider-Man installment. Nevertheless, Cumberbatch reiterated the importance of Strange’s role in addressing the multiverse chaos in “Secret Wars,” stating: “He’s quite central to where things might go.”

He also spoke highly of the collaboration with Marvel Studios, hinting that discussions concerning a third solo adventure are already underway. “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.” And he’s absolutely right. Doctor Strange has quickly become a fan favorite within the MCU, thanks to Cumberbatch’s captivating performances and the character’s well-defined arc across solo films, crossovers, and major story events.

We believe Sam Raimi, who brought an extra dose of flair to “Multiverse of Madness,” should be the one to direct the third Doctor Strange film. However, given that some fans didn’t appreciate the daring creative choices, we might end up with a more conventional choice instead.