Benedict Cumberbatch confirms he will not be in Avengers 5, but will be a key character in Avengers 6

Benedict Cumberbatch revealed that he will not play Doctor Strange in "Avengers 5: Doomsday", but will play an important role in "Avengers 6: Secret War".

Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed that his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character Doctor Strange will be absent from the next big-budget Avengers 5, but will play a "central role" in the sequel Avengers: Secret Wars.

In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch said "Fuck it" after realizing he had spoiled something, and revealed more about his character's role in the upcoming film. "He's the heart of it," he said , before revealing that a third Doctor Strange film is planned.

"They were very open to discussing where we'd go next. Who would you like to write and direct the next one? What part of the comic book lore do you want to explore so that Doctor Strange can keep evolving? He's a very rich character. He's a complex, conflicted, troubled man who has these extraordinary abilities, so there's a lot of powerful stuff to play with."

Avengers 5 is directed by the Russo brothers, bringing back Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, two veterans who had originally retired. Earlier media reports said that Black Widow will also return in Avengers 5 and Avengers 6.

"Avengers 5" tells the story of the Avengers fighting against villains who are trying to conquer the multiverse. The film will start shooting in London in the second quarter of 2025.