Benedict Cumberbatch Confirms Doctor Strange’s Return in the MCU

Benedict Cumberbatch has officially provided his clearest update yet about Doctor Strange’s future, reassuring fans that the Sorcerer Supreme will indeed return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Doctor Strange was last seen at the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, leaving for the Dark Dimension alongside Clea to repair the incursion he caused. Since then, his character has been absent from the MCU, especially as the Multiverse Saga accelerates toward its major crossover events.

What Did Benedict Cumberbatch Reveal About His Return?

While promoting his new film The Thing with Feathers, Cumberbatch told Collider that he “has more than sense” of what’s next for Doctor Strange and promised fans that they will “definitely” see him again:

“He’s coming. At some point. Yeah, you definitely will [see him again].”

In another interview on Smartless, he hinted even more directly at a 2026 return, teasing “huge commitments involving cloaks” next year — the same year Avengers: Secret Wars is expected to film.

Cumberbatch even responded humorously in 2025 when asked why his name wasn’t on the Avengers: Doomsday cast list, joking:

“Maybe they just didn’t have enough chairs.”

Where Will Doctor Strange Appear Next in the MCU?

Although Strange is not listed for Avengers: Doomsday, all signs point to either a surprise appearance or a major role in Avengers: Secret Wars. His knowledge of Multiversal incursions makes him essential to the saga’s resolution, especially as Earths begin collapsing into each other.

Given that the Multiverse is spiraling out of control — and Doctor Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.) is at the center of the conflict — Strange’s involvement feels inevitable.

Could Doctor Strange Join Doctor Doom?

One of the biggest unknowns is whether Strange’s time in the Dark Dimension with Clea has changed him. That ambiguity opens the door to several possibilities:

• Strange may align with Doctor Doom in an attempt to stop incursions.
• Doom could manipulate Strange, using him as an ally or pawn.
• Strange’s moral compass could be tested in ways the MCU hasn’t shown before.

Such an alliance, even temporary, would put the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four at major risk.

Why Is Doctor Strange’s Return So Important for the MCU?

Doctor Strange has become the Multiverse Saga’s narrative anchor. He understands the stakes, the consequences, and the rules of collapsing realities better than any other hero.

His return will likely serve three crucial purposes:

• Explaining the cause and scale of the incursions.
• Warning the heroes about the cost of Multiversal war.
• Providing the mystical guidance needed to oppose Doom.

What Is Avengers: Doomsday About?

Directed by the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday features a massive ensemble of 27 Marvel actors, including Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Simu Liu, David Harbour, Chris Hemsworth, and Patrick Stewart. It follows a Multiversal united front — Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four — battling Doctor Doom.

The film releases on December 18, 2026.