Doctor Strange 3 is Moving, MCU Role Change for Benedict Cumberbatch

Marvel fans will be pleased to know that the MCU’s Doctor Strange 3’s development is moving forward, and it looks like Benedict Cumberbatch is set for a role change.

Despite seemingly dealing with a troubled production largely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I think all things considered, 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was quite a decent movie, it has to be said.

“In Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before,” reads the synopsis on Disney Plus.

“Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.”

Doctor Strange left us on a cliffhanger

I am about to venture into spoilers for the conclusion of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so please consider this to be your final spoiler warning.

During a post-credit scene for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Doctor Strange gets a third eye, slap, bang in the middle of his forehead. The official name for this lovely new facial feature is the Eye of Agamotto.

Understandably, somewhat freaked out by this eye, we’re then introduced to Clea, a sorceress of the Dark Dimension, played by Charlize Theron. This moment set up the next Doctor Strange movie wonderfully, with fans in the cinema most likely on the edge of their seats (probably).

However, seeing as Doctor Strange 3 hasn't been released yet, nor have we even been treated to a trailer, we’ve not had one single official update since, which has no doubt frustrated many fans wanting to know more.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Yet, despite being the longest cast reveal in cinematic history that went on for hours, Benedict Cumberbatch nor Charlize Theron were amongst the names announced for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. This left fans feeling even more frustrated.

Thankfully, we do have a promising update, as brought to our report by NexusPointNew, their sources have claimed that Benedict Cumberbatch is reportedly now very much involved with behind-the-scenes production, and the actor is said to be keen on Sam Mendes (Road to Perdition, 1917, Skyfall) to be brought in as a writer.

Furthermore, it’s claimed that neither Sami Raimi nor Michael Waldron will return for Doctor Strange 3.

That all being said, these are unconfirmed rumours, so they should be taken with a pinch of salt until proven otherwise.

Hopefully, when we do learn more about Doctor Strange 3, it will have heavy implications on Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. If you’re familiar with the Secret Wars comics, then you know what might be coming.

Once we receive further news on Doctor Strange 3, we’ll be sure to update you right away. Avengers: Doomsday is currently scheduled to be released in cinemas on 18 December 2026. Avengers: Secret Wars is set for 17 December 2027.