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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for a huge event with Avengers: Doomsday, coming to theaters on December 18, 2026. This movie is expected to kick off the end of the Multiverse Saga, but fans have noticed something curious. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange, was missing from the official list of 27 cast members revealed in a livestream. People immediately started wondering if Strange would even appear in the movie.
Cumberbatch responded in his usual playful way when asked about it. He joked that maybe there “just weren’t enough chairs” for him. This comes after months of mixed messages. At one point, he confirmed he would appear in the movie, which was then called Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Later, he mentioned that his role had shifted to Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Then he clarified again, saying he would be in that film. But the latest cast announcement left him off the list, keeping fans guessing.
Many are wondering if Doctor Strange will appear in Doomsday or if Marvel is saving his story for the next movie. Considering how important Strange is to the multiverse, and his post-credits scene with Clea, it seems likely that he will show up at least briefly. His understanding of incursions and the multiverse makes him a key player in the story’s conclusion.
Marvel Studios, along with Robert Downey Jr., have hinted that more surprises are coming. There could be a second cast announcement before the movie releases. If that happens, Strange might appear either in a smaller role or in the post-credits scene, setting up Avengers: Secret Wars.
Before Doomsday hits theaters, there are a bunch of Marvel projects lined up through 2025 and 2026. Ironheart will premiere on Disney+ in June 2025, following Riri Williams as she builds her own armor. Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters in July 2025, starring Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby as the first family of Marvel, facing Galactus. Eyes of Wakanda, an animated anthology, comes to Disney+ in August 2025. Marvel Zombies expands the What If…? zombie episode into a six-part series on Disney+ in October. Wonder Man will land on Disney+ in December 2025, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. And Spider-Man: A New Day, with Tom Holland returning, hits theaters in July 2026.
All these projects lead into Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom. The saga will then conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027. Marvel is juggling new heroes, X-Men cameos, and major crossovers, so the full cast might not be known until the movie actually hits theaters. For now, Cumberbatch’s comments suggest Doctor Strange is not out of the fight just yet.