One Marvel character won't be returning for 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: Endgame. Mind you, this isn't a rumour, or rumor, as the Oscar-nominated actor behind Master of the Mystic Arts has personally confirmed that he'll be sitting in on the big team film next year. However, he will be back in “Avengers: Secret Wars,” which opens up a lot of questions about what's to come.

In a recent interview with Diversityactor discussed his upcoming film The Thing With Feathers. Naturally, the question of his future as Doctor Strange was brought up. Cumberbatch then confirmed that his character would not appear in it “Pasodiena”, which will be directed by the Russo brothers (who previously directed “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame” among other MCU films). Cumberbatch even admitted he might have slipped, saying: “Is that a spoiler? F*** it!”

Why won't Stephen Strange be around for this particular adventure? A lot of that was due to the story changes brought on by the departure Jonathan Major as Kang from the MCU after the actor was found guilty of stalking and assault. He was originally the big bad that helped wrap up the Multiverse Saga, but Marvel had to pivot. Cumberbatch explained that this was due to “the character not being relevant to that part of the story”.

That said, fear not Magic fans; Doctor Strange is “a lot” in “Avengers: Secret Wars,” according to Cumberbatch, with the actor adding that his character is “pretty central to where things could go.”

Despite the absence of Doctor Strange, “The Day of Resurrection” becomes a major event. Not only is Robert Downey Jr., known for playing Iron Man for over a decade, returning to portray the villainous Doctor Doom, but Chris Evans is also returning to the MCU in the upcoming Avengers movie.. It is yet to be confirmed whether he will play Captain America again or someone else. Also, Hayley Atwell, known for her role as Peggy Carter, is set to return. It will be a star-studded event, and Secret Wars will become an even bigger event.

For fans of Doctor Strange in particular, he will still have a lot to do in the future of the MCU. Not only will he help usher in the Multiverse Saga in “Secret Wars,” but the actor also strongly hinted that “Doctor Strange 3” is in development when discussing Marvel's desire to work with him.

“They're very open to discussing where we go from there. Who do you want to write and direct next? What part of the comics do you want to explore for Strange to continue to develop? He's a very rich character to play. He's a complex, conflicted, troubled person, who has these extraordinary powers, so there's a lot of stuff to mess with.”

For what it's worth The ending of 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness dropped the ball much more with character in the future. It remains unclear if Sam Raimi will return to the director's chair or if another filmmaker will be able to put his stamp on the property. What is clear is that Cumberbatch has no plans to leave anytime soon.

Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on May 1, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.