Benedict Cumberbatch on Doctor Strange Return for Avengers 5

The future of the Sorcerer Supreme in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is once again shrouded in mystery, thanks to the master of misdirection himself, Benedict Cumberbatch. The actor’s latest cryptic comments have set the internet ablaze, leaving fans to dissect every word for clues about Doctor Strange’s role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Attending the New York premiere of his new film, The Roses, Cumberbatch was directly asked by Entertainment Tonight if he would reprise his role as Stephen Strange in the 2026 superhero ensemble. His response was a teasing, repeated phrase: “I wonder.” This deliberate ambiguity is a stark contrast to his previous, more straightforward statements and has successfully reignited speculation about the character’s pivotal role in the Multiverse Saga.

Will Doctor Strange Appear in Avengers: Doomsday?

This is the multi-million dollar question for Marvel fans. Just months ago, Cumberbatch seemed to put all doubts to rest. In a previous interview, he bluntly stated that Doctor Strange would be “sitting out” of Avengers: Doomsday, even joking about the spoiler nature of his reveal. He clearly indicated that the character’s focus would shift to the following chapter, Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), where he would be “quite central to where things might go.” This earlier confirmation provided a clear roadmap, suggesting Strange would be absent from the first film to set up a more significant presence in the second.

The Art of Misdirection and Future Plans

Cumberbatch has openly enjoyed playing with fan expectations. At the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, he jokingly warned audiences, “Don’t ever believe anything I say,” acknowledging the intense scrutiny his words receive. This playful backtracking is a time-honored tradition in Marvel’s secretive culture, often used to preserve major plot surprises. Beyond the Avengers films, the actor has confirmed that early creative discussions are underway for a third standalone Doctor Strange movie, reinforcing that the studio views the character as a cornerstone of its future narrative plans.

The confirmed release schedule provides the only concrete timeline for now. Avengers: Doomsday is slated for December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars following on December 17, 2027. Whether Doctor Strange appears in the first chapter or is saved for the grand finale, Benedict Cumberbatch’s recent teasing confirms one thing: his journey as the Master of the Mystic Arts is far from over, and his next appearance will be crucial to the fate of the entire MCU.

Must Know

What did Benedict Cumberbatch say about Avengers: Doomsday?
Most recently, at a premiere, he responded to a question about returning with the cryptic phrase “I wonder.” This contrasts with a previous interview where he explicitly stated Doctor Strange would be “sitting out” of the film.

Is there going to be a Doctor Strange 3?
Yes, Benedict Cumberbatch has confirmed that Marvel Studios is in the early stages of developing ideas for a third standalone Doctor Strange film, though no official release date has been announced.

When is Avengers: Doomsday coming out?
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 18, 2026. It will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.

Will Doctor Strange be in Secret Wars?
According to Cumberbatch’s earlier, more definitive comments, yes. He stated that the character would not be in Doomsday but would be “quite central” to the story of Avengers: Secret Wars.

Why does Benedict Cumberbatch keep changing his story?
This is a common tactic used by actors within the secretive Marvel Cinematic Universe to preserve plot surprises and generate fan excitement. Cumberbatch has jokingly admitted to this, telling fans not to always believe what he says.