Benedict Cumberbatch To Return As Doctor Strange In Avengers 5? Actor Responds

Benedict Cumberbatch, one of the major stars remaining in the MCU after the events of Endgame, recently shared an exciting update about the next big team-up film. During an interview with Netflix, where he reflected on his career, Cumberbatch revealed some intriguing details about Avengers 5.

Benedict Cumberbatch on his role in Avengers 5

Cumberbatch recounted how he initially had to decline the role of Doctor Strange due to scheduling conflicts, but Marvel was so eager for him to play Stephen Strange that they adjusted their schedule to accommodate him. Looking back and ahead, Cumberbatch said:

"It's been a lovely relationship with [Marvel] ever since [being cast]. I'm very much looking forward to Avengers [5] next year, which is cooking up a storm."

What more do we know about Avengers 5?

While MCU fans are left in the dark about Avengers 5, Cumberbatch seems to have some insight into its development. The progress on the film has been somewhat unclear following the firing of Jonathan Majors, who was set to star as Kang in Avengers: Kang Dynasty, as per Collider. Whether Marvel will recast Kang or introduce a new villain remains to be seen, but the film is expected to kick off in 2025. Despite Marvel's tight security on plot details, more information is likely to emerge as production approaches.

With Cumberbatch indicating that Avengers 5 will start filming next year, finding a director is becoming urgent. Initially, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Daniel Destin Cretton was attached to the project but stepped down last year, as per Collider. Recently, reports have surfaced that Marvel is interested in Shawn Levy, the director of Deadpool & Wolverine. Although Levy declined the offer due to scheduling conflicts, Marvel left the door open, and if Deadpool & Wolverine performs well financially, Levy might still direct Avengers 5, with other commitments taking a backseat.

Avengers 5 is currently scheduled for release on May 1, 2026.