One of Marvel’s heroes will not be returning in Avengers: Doomsday

We haven’t seen the last of Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; Just don’t expect to see him in Avengers: Doomsday. This isn’t a rumor or a rumour, mind you, as the Oscar-nominated actor behind Master of the Mysterious Arts has personally confirmed that he’ll be missing out on next year’s big team-up movie. However, he will return for Avengers: Secret Wars, which opens up a lot of questions about what the film has in store for us.

In a recent interview with diverseThe actor was discussing his upcoming film, “The Thing With Feathers.” Naturally, the topic of his future as Doctor Strange came up. Cumberbatch then confirmed that his character would not appear “Doomsday” is directed by the Russo Brothers (Who previously directed “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame,” among other MCU films). Cumberbatch even admitted he may have messed up, saying: “Is this a spoiler? Damn!”

As for why Stephen Strange will not be present in this particular adventure? A lot of it had to do with the story changes brought about by Departure Jonathan Majors as MCU’s Kang after the actor was convicted of harassment and assault. He was originally going to be the big villain who helped end the Multiverse Saga, but Marvel had to pivot. Cumberbatch explained that it was a matter of “the character not fitting into that part of the story.”

However, fear not magic lovers; Doctor Strange is involved in a lot of the Avengers: Secret Wars movies, according to Cumberbatch, with the actor adding that his character is “very pivotal to where things can go.”

Despite Doctor Strange’s absence, “Doomsday” is shaping up to be a big event. Not only is Robert Downey Jr., known for playing Iron Man for over a decade, returning to play the villainous Doctor Doom, but… Chris Evans is also returning to the MCU for the upcoming “Avengers” movie. It has not been confirmed whether he will play Captain America again or someone else. Likewise, Hayley Atwell, known for playing Peggy Carter, is set to return. It’s going to be a star-studded affair, as ‘Secret Wars’ looks set to be a bigger event.

For Doctor Strange fans specifically, he still has a lot to do in the future of the MCU. Not only will he help send off the Multiverse Saga in “Secret Wars,” but the actor also strongly hinted that “Doctor Strange 3” is in development while discussing Marvel’s interest in collaborating with him.

“They’re very open to discussing where we go next. Who do you want to write and direct the next one? What part of the comic do you want to explore so that Strange can continue to evolve? He’s a very rich character to play. He’s a complex, contradictory, troubled human being with these extraordinary abilities.” “So there are powerful things that can be messed with.”

For what it’s worth, The ending of 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” sets the stage More with the character in the future. It’s still unclear whether or not Sam Raimi will return to the director’s chair, or whether another filmmaker will put his stamp on the property. What is clear is that Cumberbatch has no plans to withdraw anytime soon.

“Avengers: Doomsday” will hit theaters on May 1, 2026, followed by “Avengers: Secret Wars” on May 7, 2027.