Benedict Cumberbatch is stirring up the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) pot. In a new profile with Variety, the actor behind Doctor Strange describes tentpole films like those in the MCU as both “monolithic” and “the modern myths of our times.” Despite acknowledging that the franchise “can get stodgy” and is “huge and unwieldy,” Cumberbatch praises Marvel for their dedication to storytelling. However, his relationship with Marvel Studios enters a new phase as he drops a bombshell: Doctor Strange won’t be making an appearance in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
Why the change? The firing of Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror seems to have set off a chain reaction. After his conviction for reckless assault and harassment, Marvel Studios decided to cut ties with Majors, leading to a transformation of Avengers: Kang Dynasty into Avengers: Doomsday, with Robert Downey Jr. reprising a new role as the villainous Victor von Doom. This shift left Doctor Strange feeling out of sync with the story. Yet, Cumberbatch assures fans that he will still play a significant role in Avengers: Secret Wars and is set for a third standalone movie.
Shifting Narratives and Unpredictable Timelines
In the unpredictable world of Marvel, nothing is set in stone. Cumberbatch implies that despite his current absence from Avengers: Doomsday, the storyline might change. Marvel’s head honchos, Kevin Feige in particular, are known for keeping actors and fans alike on their toes. During major announcements—like Downey’s surprise MCU return—Cumberbatch admits he was in the dark, discovering the news with everyone else. “I texted, ‘What the fuck?'” he amusingly recalls, demonstrating how fluid and secretive the MCU plotlines can be.
This unpredictability leaves room for speculations. Could Doctor Strange be shuffled back into Avengers: Doomsday in some last-minute reshuffling or reshoots? It’s not impossible, considering Marvel’s history with such moves, reminiscent of Captain America: Brave New World’s integration of Giancarlo Esposito. Or perhaps Cumberbatch is pulling an Andrew Garfield—a little white lie to keep the audience guessing.
Beyond the Marvel Realm
While Cumberbatch plays coy about his Marvel future, he also expresses a desire to return to smaller-scale projects, particularly those in “European sort of world cinema.” Despite the lengthy waits on massive blockbuster sets, he speaks highly of Marvel Studios, commenting on their openness to collaboration and evolution of Doctor Strange’s character. There’s potential for rich storytelling in the sorcerer’s future, and Marvel seems keen to explore it hand-in-hand with Cumberbatch.
In addition to his Marvel commitments, Cumberbatch has hinted at upcoming projects that veer away from the superhero genre. With a strong foundation in stage acting and a penchant for nuanced performances, the actor has expressed interest in roles that challenge him creatively. Fans can expect to see Cumberbatch exploring diverse genres, showcasing his range beyond the MCU.
Closing Credits
Even with the absence of Doctor Strange in Avengers: Doomsday, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange journey is far from over. Marvel plans a third standalone film, positioning him prominently in Avengers: Secret Wars, all while the studio navigates storytelling twists and real-world issues like casting changes. Looking forward, the MCU’s roadmap remains as dynamic and secretive as ever, leaving fans eagerly awaiting future announcements and surprises. Stay tuned to see how Doctor Strange’s magical tale unfolds next.
Source: Variety
