Avengers 5 Shocker: Iconic Superhero Axed from Doomsday Return!

Last June, Benedict Cumberbatch, who has famously portrayed Doctor Strange in the MCU since 2014, hinted that he would be part of the cast for the upcoming Avengers film “Doomsday,” directed by the Russo brothers.

“I have a pretty good relationship with Marvel. I’m really looking forward to doing the next Avengers next year; it’s going to be spectacular,” he revealed in an interview with Netflix to promote the series Eric.

No Doomsday for Dr. Strange!

However, months later, the British actor retracted his statement during an interview with Variety. He mentioned that his earlier comment was an accidental slip before realizing the mistake, adding that the studio’s plans for the next Avengers films had changed following the dismissal of Jonathan Majors by Marvel, due to allegations of violence by his ex-girlfriend.

According to Benedict Cumberbatch, the absence of Stephen Strange in “Doomsday,” which starts filming this spring, is because his “character did not fit into that part of the story.” However, the actor reassured fans that the Sorcerer Supreme will be “very present” in “Avengers: Secret Wars,” scheduled for 2027, and will play a significant role in “how things evolve.“

A Third Solo Film for Doctor Strange?

Moreover, Dr. Strange, last seen in 2022 in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” might soon return in a third solo film. “They are very open to discussing what comes next. Who do you want to write and direct the next film? Which part of the comics do you want to explore to continue Strange’s evolution?“, he shared. He concluded: “He’s an incredibly rich, complex, sometimes contradictory and troubled character, with extraordinary abilities. There’s really a lot to explore.”

To date, the actors confirmed in “Avengers: Doomsday” are Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. Doom, Chris Evans in an unspecified role, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Hayley Atwell reprising the role of Agent Carter, and the Fantastic Four’s Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Thus, Doctor Strange will not appear in Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on April 29, 2026, but he will definitely be present in Avengers: Secret Wars, expected in May 2027. Additionally, a third solo adventure also seems to be on the horizon for the Sorcerer Supreme.