‘Avengers: Doomsday’, directed by the Russo brothers and featuring stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, is scheduled for release on April 29, 2026. Notably absent are Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, raising questions about their roles in the upcoming ‘Secret Wars’. The film aims to connect unresolved plot lines in the MCU while introducing Battleworld, created by Doctor Doom. Fans are left speculating about the implications of these omissions for the franchise’s future.
The upcoming film ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, directed by the Russo brothers, is set to hit theaters on April 29, 2026, and boasts a stellar cast featuring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and beloved ‘X-Men’ veterans like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. As anticipation builds among Marvel enthusiasts, some notable absences are causing a stir!
Notably, ‘Spider-Man’ star Tom Holland will not be joining the new ‘Avengers’ ensemble, and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is also missing from the roster. This omission is particularly surprising considering Doctor Strange’s pivotal role in the comic storyline for ‘Secret Wars’, which is slated to follow ‘Doomsday’ in summer 2027.
Connecting ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ to ‘Secret Wars’ – The Need for Doctor Strange
Much like ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ serves as a crucial lead-in to ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, creating an interconnected narrative. It appears that ‘Doomsday’ will aim to address unresolved plot lines from previous MCU films, ultimately setting the stage for the ‘Secret Wars’ saga.
The comic inspiration for ‘Secret Wars’, penned by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Esad Ribić, was released in 2015 and reimagines the classic storyline from the 1980s. The narrative kicks off following the catastrophic incursion of numerous universes, resulting in the near annihilation of the multiverse as we know it.
In this universe, superheroes find themselves on Battleworld, a realm divided into districts, each representing a different universe. Some districts even house multiple variations of the same character, adding an intriguing twist to the storyline.
Battleworld is the creation of Doctor Victor von Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., who assumes the role of a self-proclaimed savior of the universes. However, without the assistance of Doctor Strange, Doom’s ambitious project would not have materialized.
Is Marvel Straying from the Comics by Excluding Doctor Strange?
Despite Doctor Doom’s significant presence in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, fans are puzzled by the absence of Doctor Strange. As the God King Doom on Battleworld, he cannot single-handedly save the universe, which leads to speculation about whether the Battleworld arc will be reserved for ‘Secret Wars’ or if Doctor Strange will be supplanted entirely.
Historically, Marvel films have taken creative liberties with their source material, and the cinematic version of Doctor Strange often comes across as more vulnerable and emotional compared to his comic book counterpart. This might suggest a strategic decision to keep the film Strange from collaborating with Doctor Doom, possibly reallocating that narrative role to another character.
While it remains unclear who might step into this role, it would be odd for the MCU to ignore the multiverse concept altogether, especially if they wanted to introduce an alternate version of Strange in light of the current film’s casting choices.
With Benedict Cumberbatch’s involvement not solidified, any new iteration of the character may require a different actor. Alternatively, Cumberbatch could make a brief cameo. Fans will have to wait until April 29, 2026, for more answers!
In the meantime, there’s plenty to look forward to in the MCU with upcoming films on the horizon. Stay tuned for our comprehensive guide to all the Marvel releases coming your way!