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At this point, Doctor Strange has appeared in four Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installments: Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. 

Boasting admirable powers that make for dazzling on-screen depictions, an intricate and emotionally wrought origin story, as well as a likable (if at times a bit stoic and arrogant) disposition, he has quickly become a fan-favorite. As a result, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one of the most highly-anticipated movies of Phase 4. 

Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange MCU
Benedict Cumberbatch is seen on the set of ‘Doctor Strange’ | XPX/Star Max/GC Images

Insiders allege Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness marks the end of Benedict Cumberbatch’s contract with Marvel Studios. Is so, Cumberbatch is soon to reach the end of a half-decade journey with the studio; however, rumor has it that, as We Got This Covered (WGTC) explains, he may pull a Chris Evans. What does this mean? Doctor Strange 2 may mark the end of Cumberbarch’s contract; however, he may stick around, providing an integral purpose to a team-up movie a bit down the line. 

What we know about Benedict Cumberbatch’s future in the MCU as Doctor Strange 

According to WGTC — relying on the same sources who knew that Marvel Studios was eyeing Daniel Radcliffe for Moon Knight and that The Inhumans will be rebooted — leaked that this upcoming installment is the last movie Cumberbatch is obliged to film. The outlet explains, “at present, the actor is not ready to sign up for more and may leave behind the role.” 

While Benedict Cumberbatch is not contractually required to remain the Sorcerer Supreme following his next outing, that does not mean he won’t do the studio that turned him into a superhero a favor. 

Not to mention, unless Multiverse of Madness constructs a narrative in which Strange passes the torch to a worthy successor, his subsequent disappearance would likely leave behind an unfinished narrative and bizarre plot holes. And, as of now, there aren’t many narrative presumptions or leaks circling the internet suggesting that Doctor Strange will no longer be the Sorcerer Supreme after The Multiverse of Madness. 

According to inside sources, Doctor Strange may appear in ‘New Avengers’

Though Chris Evans completed his Marvel contract with Infinity War, he stuck around for Endgame, which provided the character’s needed conclusion, as he came to put himself first … at last. In a similar fashion, sources say Cumberbatch will appear in the MCU team-up, New Avengers. 

Right now, according to WGTC, Marvel is leaving the decision up to Cumberbatch, and a decision has yet to be reached. However, here’s to hoping we see Strange team up with some newbies in the mash-up everyone keeps talking about. 

Doctor Strange is becoming one of the oldest Avengers still in the landscape. Thor will likely exit after Love and Thunder, Black Widow will likely be Natasha’s last outing, Rogers and Stark are both gone for good. Fans aren’t ready to lose Strange yet. He deserves a little more screen-time and his journey warrants future films; he’s too fascinating to disappear after a second standalone installment. 

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