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

Benedict Cumberbatch has confirmed that his Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Doctor Strange, will not be part of the upcoming blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday. However, fans can look forward to seeing him take on a "central role" in the sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars.

In a candid moment during an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch accidentally let slip this spoiler and, with a humorous "f**k it," elaborated further on his character's future in the MCU. He hinted at Doctor Strange's pivotal role in the unfolding narrative, saying, "He’s quite central to where things might go." Additionally, Cumberbatch revealed that a third standalone Doctor Strange film is in the works, expressing excitement about the character's continued evolution. "They are very open to discussing where we go next," he shared, emphasizing the creative freedom to explore different aspects of the comic lore and the character's complex nature. "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." This upcoming Avengers film will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and reportedly Chris Evans as well, though details remain scarce. The film is being directed by the former Avengers directors, the Russo Brothers, and will continue to explore the multiverse, 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 this July. Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.