The Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement left out many beloved Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes, but it turns out that a major player from the franchise was confirmed to appear in the film before its cast was announced, and a new update cements that. Avengers: Doomsday‘s story sees Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom make his MCU debut as the Avengers, Fox’s original X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and other Marvel teams come together to stop the villain. Due to that, many characters from all around the MCU and Marvel’s live-action legacy will show up.

The cast of the next Avengers movie is pretty solid so far. From long-time MCU stars like Thor actor Chris Hemsworth to more recent additions, like Channing Tatum as Gambit, to X-Men franchise names like Charles Xavier star Patrick Stewart, the film will pull from a deep well of talent. However, notable characters from the MCU were missing from the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement. That said, one of the missing heroes was confirmed to appear in the movie beforehand, and he could play a crucial role.

Doctor Strange Will Be In Avengers: Doomsday

The Hero’s Inclusion Was Revealed By Benedict Cumberbatch

One of the most commented names among fans after the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement was that of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange. The character was last seen going off with Charlize Theron’s Clea to stop an incursion, which is an event that has everything to do with the MCU’s next two Avengers movies. While Strange’s absence from Marvel’s announcement was thought-provoking, the hero has already been confirmed to appear in the film, as Cumberbatch claimed Doctor Strange will be in Avengers: Doomsday, saying, “I am in the next one.” That came after some confusion.

Initially, Cumberbatch said he was excited to start filming Avengers: Doomsday this year. Then, the actor changed tune and claimed Doctor Strange would not be in the film, as he did not make sense for the story Marvel wanted to tell, though he would play a major role in Avengers: Secret Wars. Finally, the actor changed his stance again, revealing that he would indeed appear in the upcoming MCU movie despite having claimed otherwise. A new MCU update seems to point at Cumberbatch’s latest statement being accurate.

Kevin Feige’s Latest Comments Mean Doctor Strange Is Not The Only Late Avengers: Doomsday Cast Addition

The MCU’s Next Avengers Movie Will Have A Huge Cast

At CinemaCon, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that not all the stars who will appear in Avengers: Doomsday have been announced. That comes after the official Marvel Studios Instagram account and Doctor Doom actor Robert Downey Jr. teased in an exchange between them that more names would be revealed for the movie soon. Based on those developments and Cumberbatch’s comment, it seems like Doctor Strange is the most likely name to appear among those in the next wave of Avengers: Doomsday cast reveals, be it however that might happen.

All Announced Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Thunderbolts*

  Release Date

  
  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Spider-Man: Brand New Day

  Release Date

  
  July 31, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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