Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson in his Captain America suit in Falcon & The Winter Soldier (2021), Brie Larson's Carol Danvers in her Captain Marvel suit in The Marvels (2023), sillhouette of Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Stra

One of the most powerful heroes was sidelined in the last Avengers movie, but he can play a much bigger role in Avengers 5. Ever since Doctor Strange’s introduction to the MCU timeline in 2016, he has played a unique role in the franchise due to his specific area of expertise that none of the existing Avengers were familiar with. His ties to the Mystic Arts also made him an asset in Infinity War and Endgame. However, when it came to the actual final battle, Doctor Strange was sidelined despite his immense power.

Doctor Strange spent the majority of Endgame’s Battle of Earth holding back water from washing over the battlefield. It arguably needed to be done in order to protect the team, especially since he was the only one who knew exactly what had to unfold in order for them to defeat Thanos. It felt an awful lot like the film just putting Doctor Strange to one side, since his magic could’ve made the fight against Thanos much easier, which isn’t what the narrative called for. However, the MCU can still make it up to Doctor Strange by featuring him more prominently in the Avengers 5 movie.

Avengers 5 Can Make Up For Doctor Strange’s Endgame Sidelining

Doctor Strange signaling to Tony Stark in Avengers Endgame

Doctor Strange virtually disappears in Avengers: Endgame’s last act, despite his contributions to the last fight being crucial. Holding back the water protected the rest of the Avengers, and his portals were what brought the rest of the heroes onto the battlefield in the first place. With his guidance, Tony knew he was making the right decision in his confrontation against Thanos, as Doctor Strange was the only one who knew exactly what had to occur for them to achieve victory.

Most of Strange’s Endgame contributions centered around other characters, but Avengers 5 can put him more in the spotlight. Avengers 5 has been rumored to feature a huge cast of over 60 returning MCU characters, and Benedict Cumberbatch seemingly confirmed his involvement in a recent interview. Doctor Strange’s appearance in Avengers 5 is pretty predictable, but his place in the current franchise could perhaps more crucially mean that the film can feature him in a central focal role. With the nature of the Multiverse Saga’s storyline, Strange’s ties to the multiverse and incursions would be invaluable to the Avengers’ fight.

Why Doctor Strange Needs To Be A Main Part Of Avengers 5

Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange in costume in the MCU

The obvious reason why Doctor Strange needs to be a main part of the Avengers 5 story is because of his specific area of expertise. However, it is also just time for the hero to get his dues. With most of the original Avengers either gone from the franchise or taking a backseat role, Doctor Strange is now one of the longest-standing Avengers. Having him as a main part of Avengers 5 makes sense as he’d be seen as a mentor among the newer MCU characters, as he demonstrated with America Chavez and Peter Parker.

Doctor Strange was undoubtedly sidelined in Avengers: Endgame, but a potential later spotlight for his character in Avengers 5 opens up a huge opportunity to give the hero his dues. Strange’s knowledge about the multiverse and incursions are a huge asset to the Avengers, and it’d make sense that he would step up to help his fellow heroes to understand any impending multiversal threat. As such, Doctor Strange seemingly being confirmed as the first Avengers 5 character bodes well for the top-tier Marvel protagonist finally getting a focal role.