In a surprising turn of events, Marvel Studios has reportedly decided to exclude Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange from the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. The news, fueled by recent rumors and statements from industry insiders, has sparked intense speculation among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) about the studio’s creative direction and the future of one of its most iconic characters. This seismic shift comes as Marvel pivots away from its original plans for the Multiverse Saga, raising questions about the role of Doctor Strange in the MCU’s next phase.

A Pivot from Kang to Doctor Doom

The decision to remove Doctor Strange from Avengers: Doomsday appears to be tied to Marvel’s broader narrative overhaul. Initially, the studio had positioned Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror as the central antagonist of the Multiverse Saga, with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty slated as the fifth Avengers film. However, following Majors’ departure and Marvel’s strategic rethink, the studio announced Avengers: Doomsday, with Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU—not as Tony Stark, but as the formidable Doctor Doom. This change necessitated a restructuring of the storyline, and Doctor Strange, once thought to be a key player, seems to have been sidelined.

Reports suggest that Doctor Strange’s arc no longer aligns with the revised narrative of Avengers: Doomsday. Benedict Cumberbatch himself addressed the rumors in a candid interview, reportedly stating, “Is that a spoiler? Fuck it!” when discussing his character’s absence. He elaborated that the shift in focus from Kang to Doctor Doom altered the story in ways that excluded Strange, at least for now. While Cumberbatch’s comments have fueled speculation, some sources claim he may have been playing coy, hinting at a potential surprise appearance in the film. However, as it stands, the prevailing narrative is that Doctor Strange will not feature in Avengers: Doomsday.

Why Exclude Doctor Strange?

Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, has been a cornerstone of the MCU since his debut in 2016’s Doctor Strange. His role in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness cemented him as a pivotal figure in the battle against multiversal threats. Given Doctor Doom’s mastery of both science and dark magic in the comics, Strange would seem like a natural counterpoint to the villain. So why bench him?

Industry insiders point to several factors. First, Marvel’s decision to incorporate characters from Fox’s X-Men universe, including Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and Halle Berry’s rumored return as Storm, suggests a focus on integrating mutants into the MCU. This massive ensemble, which also includes the Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and returning Avengers like Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, may have left little room for Doctor Strange’s storyline.

Second, Marvel appears to be prioritizing a streamlined narrative. With over 27 actors already confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, the Russo Brothers, who are directing the film, face the challenge of balancing screen time for an expansive cast. Excluding Doctor Strange could be a pragmatic move to avoid overcrowding the story, especially since his last appearance in Multiverse of Madness left him dealing with an incursion alongside Charlize Theron’s Clea—a plot thread that may be reserved for a future solo film.

Fan Reactions and Speculation

The rumor of Doctor Strange’s removal has sent shockwaves through the MCU fandom. On platforms like X, fans have expressed a mix of disappointment and curiosity. Some argue that Strange’s absence weakens the Avengers’ magical defenses against Doctor Doom, a villain known for his mystical prowess. Others speculate that Marvel is saving Cumberbatch for a larger role in Avengers: Secret Wars, the sixth Avengers film set for release in 2027, which is rumored to involve a multiversal “soft reboot” of the MCU.

Adding fuel to the fire, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, confirmed at CinemaCon that not all cast members for Avengers: Doomsday have been announced, leaving open the possibility of surprises. However, Feige’s comments about the inclusion of the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and X-Men suggest a deliberate focus on these teams, potentially at the expense of characters like Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, and Scarlet Witch, who were notably absent from the initial cast reveal.

What’s Next for Doctor Strange?

While Avengers: Doomsday may not feature Doctor Strange, the character’s future in the MCU remains bright. Cumberbatch’s cryptic remarks have led some to believe he could appear in a post-credits scene or a supporting role, perhaps setting up Doctor Strange 3. The unresolved storyline involving Clea and the incursion from Multiverse of Madness provides ample material for a third solo outing, which could explore Strange’s role in stabilizing the multiverse post-Doomsday.

Moreover, the MCU’s shift toward a Doctor Doom-centric narrative opens new possibilities for Strange. In the comics, Doom and Strange have a complex relationship, occasionally collaborating to combat greater threats. If Marvel chooses to adapt elements of this dynamic, Strange could return in Avengers: Secret Wars as a key ally—or even a reluctant partner—to Downey’s Doom.

A Bold Move for Marvel

Marvel Studios’ rumored decision to remove Doctor Strange from Avengers: Doomsday is a bold and risky move. By prioritizing a sprawling ensemble and a new villain in Doctor Doom, the studio is betting on a fresh direction for the Multiverse Saga. While the absence of a fan-favorite like Strange may disappoint some, it reflects Marvel’s willingness to take creative risks to keep the MCU unpredictable.

As filming begins in April 2025, fans will be watching closely for any hints of Cumberbatch’s involvement. For now, the rumor mill continues to churn, and the question remains: Is this truly the end of Doctor Strange’s role in the Avengers’ battle against Doom, or is Marvel playing a long game with one of its most powerful heroes? Only time—and perhaps a well-timed post-credits scene—will tell.