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 rumor or hearsay, mind you, as the Oscar-nominated actor behind Master of the Mystic Arts has personally confirmed that he'll be sitting in next year's big team-up film. However, he will return for "Avengers: Secret Wars," which raises many questions about what to expect.

In a recent interview with Diversitythe actor discussed his upcoming film The Thing With Feathers. Naturally, the subject of his future as Doctor Strange came up. Cumberbatch then confirmed that his character would not appear "Wretches", which will be directed by the Russo brothers (who previously helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, among other MCU films). Cumberbatch even admitted that he might have slipped, saying, “Is that a spoiler?

As for why Stephen Strange won't be around for this particular adventure? A lot of that had to do with the story changes caused by the departure of Jonathan Majors as MCU's Kang after actor found guilty of molestation and assault. He was originally supposed to be the big bad that helped end the Multiverse Saga, but Marvel had to pivot. Cumberbatch explained that it had to do with "the character not aligning with this part of the story".

That said, fear not magic lovers; Doctor Strange is "in a lot" of "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, "Wretches" 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 portray the villainous Doctor Doom, but Chris Evans is also returning to the MCU for the upcoming Avengers movie.. It is yet to be confirmed whether he will be playing Captain America again or someone else. Also, Hayley Atwell, known for her role as Peggy Carter, is similarly set to return. It will be a star-studded affair, and Secret Wars will be considered 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 it help send the Multiverse saga into Secret Wars, but the actor also heavily hinted that Doctor Strange 3 is in development while discussing Marvel's willingness to work with him.

"They are very open to discussing where we go next." Who do you want to write and direct next? What part of the comic do you want to explore so that Strange can continue to develop? He is a very rich character to play. He's a complex, contradictory, troubled man who has these extraordinary abilities, so there are powerful things to mess with."

For what it's worth, 2022 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' End Grabs the Ball for much more with the character in the future. It remains unclear whether or not Sam Raimi will return to the director's chair, or if another director will put his stamp on the property. What is clear is that Cumberbatch has no plans to leave anytime soon.

Avengers: Judgment Day hits theaters on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.