Benedict Cumberbatch’s most recent Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, was a massive success at the global box office. Since its premiere last year, the no-longer Sorcerer Supreme hasn’t made an appearance in the MCU again although the incumbent defender of Earth-199999 against the mystic arts, Wong, has been a regular fixture since. The good news is that Doctor Strange will be back in the MCU sooner rather than later, in spite of the delays.
Recently, Cumberbatch was a guest on the JW3 Speaker Series with Alan Howard. During the talk, the Star Trek actor bared his soul and spoke candidly about many things, including the motivation behind the characters he plays, the films he has starred in, and his upcoming projects.
Sometime during the evening, his host asked him about his next projects. As part of his response, Cumberbatch revealed he will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe next year. He said, “There are some Marvel capers in the making next year.”
Cumberbatch went on to say that he doesn’t know much about what he’ll be doing, but one thing that he did know and didn’t hesitate to share is that he’s willing and interested to try out whatever Marvel wants him to do.
Cumberbatch’s return is exciting news for fans of the eccentric actor and his big-screen portrayal of the iconic comic book wizard. But then, not knowing which exact project in which he will make his return is undoubtedly frustrating.
Even though we don’t know for sure, we do have some theories. On one hand, there’s no Doctor Strange 3 yet in neither Phase 5 or Phase 6 of the MCU, so we know it’s not that. We’re almost certain he will feature in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, but that film has been delayed till 2026, and we doubt it will start filming next year.
With that ruled out, we’re left with the Blade reboot as well as the Fantastic Four reboot as the likeliest culprits for a Doctor Strange return.
Although Marvel Studios planned to begin production on Blade this summer, it had to delay it because of the ongoing WGA strike. With no end in sight, it is now likely that the production of the film will begin next year. Fantastic Four, on the other hand, was always supposed to start filming next year.
Because of this, we believe either of these films fit the bill and could see Cumberbatch reprise his role as the cape-wearing sorcerer.
Of course, there’s always Deadpool 3, but given how many familiar faces are set to appear in the film, his appearance might be more of a cameo than an involved role.
