Dr. Strange Is Not in the Next ‘Avengers’ Movie

Fans of Doctor Strange, get ready: It’s likely that they won’t get to watch their beloved sorcerer on screen for several more years.

In a recent chat with Variety, Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange, disclosed that his character won’t be featured in the forthcoming Avengers film titled Avengers: Doomsday.

In simpler terms, Cumberbatch explained that the character didn’t fit well within this particular segment of the plot.

In a recent disclosure, Cumberbatch has shared that he will indeed be featured in the upcoming movie “Doomsday’s Sequel,” more specifically known as “Avengers: Secret Wars.” He further hinted that his character, Strange, plays a pivotal role in the direction that the story may take within this film.

In this case, it’s reminiscent of Benedict Cumberbatch’s roles in the last two Marvel’s Avengers films. He played a pivotal character in “Avengers: Infinity War”, safeguarding the Time Stone while fighting against Thanos and his troops alongside Iron Man and Spider-Man. However, towards the end of that movie, he was erased from existence by Thanos. This left him absent in “Avengers: Endgame” until Tony Stark resurrected all victims, including Cumberbatch’s character, close to the film’s conclusion.

It’s clear that we know another individual who is not included in the Avengers during Doomsday, yet it remains unclear who else will be part of the team. Ever since Endgame, Marvel has been rather tight-lipped about who continues to be affiliated with the Avengers or if the team still exists at all given that so much time has passed (Endgame was released more than five years ago!). Tony Stark is deceased, Steve Rogers has retired, the Hulk has injured his arm, and Spider-Man is mostly confined to his own section of the MCU controlled by Sony, where he pursues his own adventures but never crosses paths with Madame Web. So, who’s in charge at Avengers headquarters right now? Is there anyone there except Happy Hogan?!?

Potential members for the team could be Thor, Sam Wilson’s current Captain America, Ant-Man, Wasp, Captain Marvel, Shuri, and Shang-Chi. In contrast to his role as Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. will appear in the upcoming film as Doctor Doom instead.

The movie titled “Avengers: Doomsday” is set to hit the big screens on May 1st, 2026. The sequel, named “Secret Wars”, will follow suit on May 7th, 2027.

The Best Marvel Movies Not Made By Marvel Studios

15. Deadpool 2 (2018)

In the second installment of “Deadpool,” Ryan Reynolds’ character, Wade Wilson, showcased a touching emotional development that was unexpected. Josh Brolin, cast as Cable, perfectly filled the role of a strong, taciturn counterpart to Deadpool’s non-stop chatter. The introduction of X-Force is where the film delivers one of the funniest ongoing jokes on this list. It’s advisable to watch the original R-rated version; the PG-13 cut offers a different type of humor instead.

14. Captain America (1944)

For approximately four decades, only Captain America from Marvel Comics was brought to life on the big screen, with his first appearance being in a 1944 serial. Interestingly, this early portrayal of Captain America was not Steve Rogers but rather Grant Gardner, a dedicated district attorney. The storyline didn’t delve into his well-known origin involving the Super-Soldier Serum, and he did not wield an indestructible shield. Instead, Cap fought against “The Scarab,” a typical 1940s villain on a quest for various high-tech gadgets, one of which was a “thermodynamic vibration engine” that could potentially bring down skyscrapers – or as the characters frequently referred to it, a vibrator.

(Note: The term ‘vibrator’ in this context refers to the engine and not a device commonly used today.) (Source: [The A.V. Club](https://tv.avclub.com/the-real-history-of-captain-americas-first-movie-1826395407))

13. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always felt that Sam Raimi’s final Spider-Man film, often criticized, even by Raimi himself, deserves a second look. Yes, it has its flaws, but there are many aspects that shine, such as the thrilling action sequences from the Maguire trilogy, like the gripping mid-air rescue of Gwen Stacy from a construction accident. The primary point of contention for many is the portrayal of Venom, particularly the humorous take on the black suit. Scenes featuring an “evil” Peter under the influence of his alien costume dancing through New York City streets might have been out of sync with the darker, grittier superhero trend during that time. However, when viewed as Raimi’s intentional satire of the “dark” comic book movie genre, the film becomes a more coherent and enjoyable experience.

12. X-Men (2000)

Indeed, the reference to toads and lightning feels rather eerie. The old-fashioned black leather costumes make the movie seem antiquated. Hugh Jackman appears less muscular in this film compared to his later sequels; his Logan seems almost diminutive here. However, there’s a reason the first X-Men movie played a pivotal role in igniting the superhero film trend of the 2000s. It successfully captured and portrayed the characters on screen with a discerning editor’s touch; trimming away the unnecessary details to reveal the core aspects that resonated with a wide audience. Interestingly, Hugh Jackman, who gained international stardom as Wolverine, nearly missed his opportunity to shine. He was the filmmakers’ second choice, and secured the role only after the original Logan, Dougray Scott, had to withdraw due to delays in completing Mission: Impossible II.

11. The Punisher (1989)

In a sewer hideout reminiscent of a Ninja Turtle’s lair, Frank Castle engages in combat with underwater ninjas, much like our favorite turtles. His speech is similar to Dolph Lundgren’s gruff delivery, and he takes on the Yakuza within an antiquated amusement park where numerous enemies slide down a large structure while shooting guns simultaneously. In one instance, after Frank detonates a mobster’s house, a journalist exclaims, “Goodness gracious, that’s the Punisher!” To clarify, I’m suggesting that this may not be the most excellent film about the Punisher, but it undeniably offers an enjoyable viewing experience.

10. Big Hero 6 (2014)

In the heart of thrilling sci-fi sequences, accompanied by an adorable robot companion, “Big Hero 6” skillfully merges Disney’s emotive storytelling with Marvel’s action-packed elements. While the narrative, involving a villain stealing a teenage tech prodigy’s microbots technology, leans more towards Disney, it can sometimes become overly complex, overshadowing the heartwarming themes of mourning and loss. Nevertheless, research shows that soft, pliable robots are the most appealing, and Baymax (voiced by Scott Adsit) stands as the epitome of these lovable mechanical beings.

9. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

In this revamped version of the X-Men series, both veteran and relatively newer cast members (with Hugh Jackman delivering another solid performance) share the spotlight. Newcomers like Blink showcase their unique abilities in an interesting way, and Quicksilver’s (Evan Peters) quick reflexes save Wolverine, Magneto, and Professor X during a tense Pentagon standoff. However, the film seems to contradict some key elements of the original ‘First Class’ by suggesting that major characters have passed away off-screen, the school is no longer operational, and Professor X’s paralysis inexplicably heals for a period.

8. Blade (1998)

Even before many in Hollywood recognized the storytelling prowess of Marvel, Wesley Snipes had already been a supporter. “Performing a comic book character is the ultimate dream because anything is possible,” Snipes humorously stated during an interview as Blade. “You develop a unique voice, appearance, sound, and movement style.” Snipes’ _Blade_ served as the first issue in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, laying the groundwork for a universe where humans and monsters coexist.

7. X2 (2003)

As a devoted comic book enthusiast, I firmly believe that “X2” stands out as one of the most groundbreaking superhero films of this century. The initial “X-Men” and “Spider-Man” movies demonstrated the enchantment of comics on the big screen. Yet, “X2” transcended these achievements, offering sequences like Nightcrawler’s White House siege that not only mirrored his signature teleporting abilities but elevated them to a level of visual brilliance unattainable in static comic book panels. The climactic dam burst in this film can be likened to the opening of floodgates, marking the onset of the Hollywood Superhero Era’s golden rush. Nothing was ever quite the same after “X2”.

6. Logan (2017)

On the third attempt, Jackman’s solo Wolverine films hit their mark with “Logan.” This film showcased its titular character in a raw, tragic light, marked by graphic violence. Being Jackman’s first R-rated role, it offered a grittier, more intense storyline that fittingly portrayed the hero’s final chapter. Furthermore, this darker tone helped address the congestion issue often seen in the main X-Men movies by focusing on a minimal cast of key characters. Among them was an exceptional performance by Patrick Stewart as an aging Professor X, struggling with mental decline and thus losing control over one of the world’s most potent weapons.

5. Blade II (2002)

In “Blade II,” Wesley Snipes’ athletic portrayal of the sophisticated vampire slayer Blade seamlessly merged with Guillermo del Toro’s distinctive blend of gothic horror and grisly visual effects to produce a sequel that was both thrilling and terrifying. Del Toro introduced a chilling new breed of super-vampires, ominously spawned by a pandemic, characterized by horrifying elongated jaws and the ability to feed on both humans and vampires. Only Blade and his tireless martial arts skills stand a chance against these creatures (a fact we all know, as vampires are vulnerable to silver, garlic, sunlight, and spin kicks).

4. Spider-Man (2002)

Reflecting on the plethora of Spider-Man films flooding our screens today, it’s hard not to be reminded of just how extraordinary Sam Raimi’s first Spider-Man film was back in 2002. Despite the film appearing somewhat dated now, it was revolutionary for its time. It nailed every aspect – the suit design, the action sequences, the visual effects, the poignant death of Uncle Ben, and the intricate relationship between Peter Parker and the Osborns. It reshaped how mainstream audiences perceived superhero films, paving the way for the vast cinematic universes we see today. And who can forget that iconic final shot, where Spidey swings through New York City in a single, breathtaking take? Countless other superhero movies have since attempted to replicate that moment.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

In the expansive continuation of “Into the Spider-Verse,” this daring sequel introduces Miles Morales to Spider-Man 2099 and his “Spider Society,” a group dedicated to safeguarding the multiverse from threats such as Spot, a fresh villain with the power to open portals across dimensions. Although “Into the Spider-Verse” was visually stunning, “Across the Spider-Verse” seems even more impressive and bold. For instance, Spider-Gwen’s dimension appears like a living watercolor painting, while Spider-Man India originates from “Mumbattan,” a vibrant blend of yellows and greens. However, it’s worth noting that “Across the Spider-Verse” is the first part of a two-part story, which at times gives the impression of being just that.

2. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

In Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi skillfully expanded the storyline, allowing for a deep exploration of Peter Parker’s relationship with the complex character of Dr. Otto Octavius, portrayed exceptionally well by Alfred Molina. This performance is often cited as one of the best in the entire Spider-Man series. Fifteen years on, the film’s visuals continue to impress, particularly the iconic train sequence, which remains a standout moment across Marvel productions. The film’s relentless stacking of problems onto Peter Parker creates a sense of tension that makes the ultimately joyful (though tinged with bittersweetness) ending all the more rewarding.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

In a world where quantity often falls short of quality, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” stands as an exceptional exception, being not only the finest Spider-Man film but also the peak Marvel-based production. This movie boasts a vast ensemble of web-slinging champions, including Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and Peter B. Parker in varying stages of youthfulness, bravery, and melancholy. Furthermore, it showcases a powerful and undeniably impactful interpretation of the moral philosophy pioneered by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, emphasizing their belief that anyone can be a hero. The film beautifully brings to life their noble ideals through stunning animation, making it an unforgettable Spider-Man tale.

2025-01-22 23:54